It is important to many individuals to have a gentle dentist, especially when a sensitive mouth is involved. Then there is that strange fear of the dentist because the mouth is a sensitive place. The mouth is so sensitive that sometimes activities such as flossing can make the gums bleed or inflict pain. We are more comfortable with having control over our toothbrushes rather than having someone else place strange objects into our mouths. However, the key to good oral hygiene is seeing a dentist twice per year.

But is it possible to have a gentle dentist? Of course it is. It is important for you to set aside past experiences and be proactive in finding a dentist who is going to have your best interest at heart. That isn't saying that past dentists haven't had your best interest at heart. That's just saying that some dentists are gentler than others and you are one of those seeking out the more gentle ones.

What to do

The first thing you want to do is ask around. You have friends who go to the dentist regularly and you want to see what they have to say about their own dentists. Chances are they have been to a dentist in the past that was not so gentle, so they're going to tell you about it. If they like their current dentist, then they're going to tell you about that too. So be sure to listen to what others have to say about dentists they have visited. If you have to, make notes about which ones to stay away from and which ones are considered gentle. You can then compare what everyone has to say and make a decision after that.

After you have made a decision regarding which dentist to see, schedule an appointment for a simple cleaning. You can tell if a dentist is a gentle dentist just by how the cleaning is done. If they seem in a hurry and you're feeling pain, then you know that the dentist is not gentle and that you never want to embark on that particular journey again. You then you know that you need to try another dentist in six months. You can keep doing this until you find one to be your regular dentists. If you find that you have cavities that need filled or need another dental procedure, it may be a good idea to seek out another dentist if the one you tried was not so gentle. This may cost you a little more money, but you need to make an appointment with another dentist and consult with them. They will look at your teeth to see what is going on. This is also a way in which you can tell how gentle they are. You can also ask questions such as:

- Do you do the procedure yourself or does someone do it for you?
- Do you apply a numbing gel to the area in which Novocain shots will be administered?

If someone other than the dentist is doing the procedure, then that is a red flag because you don't know that person. The second question is also important because a gentle dentist will ensure that you will feel as little as possible.

It pays off

Embarking on a search for a gentle dentist is going to pay off because you're going to be able to have dental work done with minimal pain. No one wants to have a procedure done and then feel it for two weeks. A gentle dentist is going to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, which is what a dentist should do.