Many people relate going to the dentist to walking on a bed of hot coals without shoes, but the truth of the matter is that without regular check ups to the dentist you could be in a world of hurt.

There are many types of dentists, one of the most common types of dentists are family dentists, some people also refer to them as general dentists. These are the type of dentist that most people go to for regular visits.

Going to the dentist regularly helps you in many ways, including:

• Preventing gum disease. Gum disease is one of the main reasons adults loose their teeth in America, but it can be prevented if caught early and treated.
• Reducing the chance for dental emergencies. When you are seeing the dentist regularly, it is easier for them to detect problems and resolve them, before they become an emergency.
• Catching oral cancer in it's early stages. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone dies from oral cancer once every hour, and this is usually because the cancer is usually found in its later stages, making it hard to treat. Early detection could save your life.
• Maintaining good oral health. When you keep your mouth healthy it is easier to keep the rest of your body in tip top shape!

Not all dentists are created equal, so before choosing the best family dentist for you there are some questions that you should ask yourself and your future dentist.

One question you need to ask is, "What areas do you specialize in?" You need to know if this dentist is prepared to deal with your unique smile and the issues that you have or may have with it.

Another question to ask is, "Can you give me references from patients within the last year?" You should ask for at least three references. You can also ask for references from other medical and oral specialists this will you give you a wide variety of perspectives that will help you make your final decision.

A question that isn't essential, but something to think about is, "Do you have payment plans available?" Most dental offices have payment plan options, but it is always good to check before you have any procedures done.

Another question to ask when you have children or elderly people in your household is, "Do you have special care and treatment plans for kids or elderly?" Some dentists treat all of their patients the same no matter their age, but children as well as elderly needed to be treated for their unique needs, because of their age.

Dentists (like those at Nordel Dental) are a valuable part of any good life and picking the right one can be a big part of keeping your mouth safe, so shop around and ask questions before settling on the right dentist for you.