The good news is that going to the dentist these days doesn't have to be painful at all. The drugs that they administer are really wonderful. As for paying the dentist, there are a variety of methods for paying a dentist these days, including insurance and third-party financing. Now that we've addressed your two biggest fears of the dentist, let's discuss why you should be sitting in your dentists chair at least twice a year.

First, no matter how well you brush, floss, and rinse, there is still bacteria in your mouth. The human mouth is absolutely filthy. When you go for a semi-annual cleaning, a dental hygienist is able to reach all of those spots that you miss. You leave with the cleanest feeling, but unfortunately, that total cleanness doesn't last very long. It does, however, prevent many problems that could have you sitting in the dentists chair more than twice a year, and paying a great deal more than the cost of the cleaning.

The second reason why you should go for twice yearly visits to your dental health care provider is so that your teeth and gums can be checked for any potential problems. Often, this means the difference between saving a tooth, at a minimal cost, and losing a tooth that has to be replaced at a much greater cost.

Are you still afraid of the dentist and the pain that you associate with the dentist? Think about the pain and the cost of letting a potential problem go unnoticed. Again, going to the dentist doesn't have to be painful, and visiting the dental hygienist twice a year doesn't even require drugs.

Find a great local dentists in your area by using several different sources. They can include, but are not limited to the internet, the yellow pages, directories, referrals, etc. Take the time to speak with and meet with a few dentists that you think are good candidates. If you feel comfortable with the dentist, the staff and the office in general, take the next step and get a consultation. Many dentists will offer reduced fees for the initial visit.