Going to the dentist is an essential element of caring for your teeth and overall oral health. During routine dental appointments your teeth get a thorough cleaning that removes substances that can lead to decay and gum disease such as plaque and tartar. The condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth are also assessed during those routine appointments. Serious and painful problems can often be prevented if you consistently go to the dentist for routine care. For some people, however, there are factors that make getting to the dentist difficult. In order to give yourself the best chances of keeping up with routine dental care you don’t simply need to find a dentist; you need to find a dentist you like.  

A dentist you like can help assuage fears

Some people feel fear of the dentist or anxiety about the process because of a negative experience in childhood or earlier on in adulthood. If you have a negative history with the dentist it can cause anxiety every time you need to go for routine or emergency dental work. There are ways to move past your fears related to the dentist. One of the things you can do to help with that process is to find a dentist you like. Finding a dentist you like will allow you to develop a positive relationship with a dentist and start making progress toward changing your experience at the dentist from a fearful one to a positive one. 

A dentist you like can make you more likely to show up to routine dental appointments

Getting to the dentist twice per year is important but many people find it difficult to keep up routine dental appointments. Finding a dentist you like can make it easier for you to get those routine dental appointments. If you enjoy interacting with your dentist it adds a positive element to the process that you can look forward to. 

Finding a dentist you like can help create a positive experience for your children

If you take your entire family to the same dentist, finding a dentist you like can help you create a positive experience for your children. Creating a positive experience at the dentist for your child is an important part of helping your child develop a life-long habit of quality oral care. You can prevent your child from experiencing fear and anxiety about going to the dentist in adulthood by carefully choosing the dentist you take them to now. 

There are several factors to consider when choosing a dentist. Location, available services, and insurance are all factors that people commonly consider. Whether or not you like a particular dentist should also be something that factors into your decision making. Finding a dentist you like can make it easier to get the dental care you need now and in the future.