Screen-Shot-2013-04-10-at-1.35.56-PM-226x300Taking care of your teeth requires regular care. Not only do you need to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash twice a day, but you also need to visit the dentist at least every six months for regular cleaning and checkup.

The right dentist can go a long way toward improving your overall oral health and care. Here are three easy steps that can help you choose the right dentist for you and your family.

Step #1: Choose a dentist that is close to you.

You may think that choosing a dentist who is cheaper but lives half an hour away from your home or business is a better option, but you’re less likely to see that dentist as often as you should. Focus on a dentist that is at least within 15 minutes of your home or office, preferably your home so the rest of your family can visit the dentist as well, and you’ll be more inclined to visit him or her.

Step #2: Visit the office.

You can learn a lot about a dentist and his or her practice by taking a quick look at the office. Is the waiting room comfortable? Is the receptionist or team positive and responsive to your needs? Do you feel comfortable if you had to wait 15 minutes, on average, for your dental appointment?

The most important thing about a dentist is their experience, but you also need to make sure you’re comfortable when you go to the office. If you’re not comfortable, you’ll be more inclined to skip those all important six-month checkups and cleanings.

Step #3: Check recommendations of the dentist.

The Internet provides us an incredible benefit by being able to see what other people had to say about various service providers. Check to see what other patients had to say about this particular dentist. Keep in mind that one or two negative reviews is not abnormal, but instead look at the overall sentiment among those patients.