There are many people who have the very common fear of going to the dentist. Most of these people have this fear because in the past they went to a surgery and had a painful and unpleasant experience which has stayed with them ever since, especially if they were a child.

This fear often leads to people delaying visits to dental practices as much as possible, which unfortunately can cause them to endure more pain than they need ever have and even cause damage to teeth. If you are afraid or nervous about visiting the dentist, here are some tips and points on how to help you to beat these nerves.

• Make an appointment to go to a family dentistry practice to meet the personnel and get to know them. This way you will begin understanding their procedures and arrangement, and you will be less apprehensive when you do require an appointment for treatment later on.

• Explain to the practitioner(s) about your fear or nerves, so that they understand you better and can assist you in keep your calm before and during any treatment.

• See the dental practitioner regularly. If you only arrange appointments for emergencies once you are in serious pain, you will end up associating all dental treatments with this pain and emergency treatment. If you regularly visit for standard treatments like cleaning and check-ups then you will begin to feel less apprehensive as you accumulate experiences of dentistry without pain or distress

• Take someone with you when you go so you feel secure. Take a close family member or friend to make you feel safer and less isolated during the appointment. Tell the assistant or receptionist that you would prefer for your companion to come in with you for your appointment

• Have the dentist show you the instruments and tools they will be using. By seeing the instruments before hand and understanding how they work, there will be less dread as your knowledge of them is less abstract.

• If possible, wear headphones and listen to music while the dentist is performing the treatment. Be sure to check with the dentist first so they can remember to get your attention another way during the treatment, but listening to music can help you relax and increase your feeling of wellbeing.