There aren’t many people who look forward to visiting the dentist. It’s a chore at best, and it’s a terrifying experience at worst. Regardless how you feel about visiting the dentist, it’s always a necessary item to put on the to-do list at least twice a year. If you’re one of the millions of people paralyzed with fear at the thought of seeing the dentist, it’s time to learn to handle the situation. You might not cure your fear, but you can make visiting the dentist less stressful.

According to Gentle Family Dentistry, a Hampton dentistry, sometimes all you need to help your visit go a little smoother is to bring with you a friend. If you are looking for a dentist office, you want one where the office staff is happy to have a friend or family member come along. A good dental office understands fear of the dentist is a real thing, and they’re willing to work with their patients to make them feel more comfortable and at ease.

Don’t just go to any dentist. Find the one you feel comfortable with. Ask for recommendations and meet with a few. You might feel nervous or afraid of your visit, but you’ll feel less so if you really like the dental office, the dentist, and even the staff. When you like the people you’re seeing, you feel more confident and comfortable they’ll care for you the way you should be cared for.

Why are you afraid of the dentist? You might be surprised by your answer or lack thereof. You might find you are only afraid because of stories you were told or simply because you don’t remember going as a child. Unless something awful happened to you at the dentist at some point, most people are fearful only because they’re told, taught, or just unaware there is really nothing to be afraid of.

Here’s where most people begin to see the light regarding visiting the dentist. Do you know what your dental health means for your overall health? Dental health is more important than just having a nice smile or bright teeth. It’s about having good overall health. People who develop gum disease and other oral health issues are more likely to suffer from heart problems, diabetes, and even several forms of cancer as they get older.

The way you handle your oral health right now can predict your future. Do you want to increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack or developing cancer? Which sounds worse to you? Visiting the dentist for a cleaning two times a year and facing your fears or one day being diagnosed with cancer and knowing you might have been able to prevent it if you’d only cared for your health when you were younger?

Many people fear the dentist because they are fearful of being in a situation they cannot control. You might not be able to tell the dentist clearly what’s bothering you in the moment, but you can stop him or her with your hands, your body language, and even your eyes. You’re not out of control of the situation simply because you cannot speak.

Your dentist should recognize your fear and treat you with respect. A good dentist doesn’t ridicule you, make you feel silly for being afraid, or make you feel stupid. The validate your feelings, and they ask what they can do to make you feel better in their chair. That’s the kind of dentist you want to visit. Get to know your dentist. This is the person who can forever change your life.