Good oral hygiene combined with regular exams by a dentist are essential for the best possible oral health. But there are many people who have a serious fear of the dentist, and avoid making an appointment at all costs. Dental phobias are quite common, and can develop any time; a young child who has a bad experience during a dental procedure may be afraid of the dentist for the rest of his or her life, while an adult who never had a problem in the past may become fearful if the Novocaine wears off during a procedure, or a nerve is hit while a cavity is being filled. If you have a dental phobia, use the following tips so you can get the oral health care that you need:

Look for a Dentist Who Specializes in Patients with Dental Phobias

If you have been hiding out from the dentist for years, don't feel ashamed or alone. Many people experience anxiety about dental appointments, and a lot of dentists realize that and focus on providing specialized care to people who hate going to the dentist. A dentist who specializes in dental phobias will try to make you as comfortable as possible, from the moment you walk into the office. Instead of seeing posters of teeth, the waiting room will likely be nicely decorated, but show no sign that you are at a dental office. The hygienists in these types of dental practices are usually trained to clean your teeth in a more gentle manner, and your dentist will likely explain everything that he or she is doing in order to help calm your dental anxiety.

Bring Something to Distract You

In most cases, the fear you have in your head far surpasses any discomfort that occurs during a dental procedure. If you can't stand just sitting in a chair while your teeth are cleaned or worked on, consider bringing something with you as a distraction. Check out social media on your phone, read a book on your e-reader, or even watch a movie on your tablet. Being pleasantly distracted can help you relax, and there is a good chance that you will feel more comfortable.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

People with extreme dental anxiety may do best with a dentist that offers sedation services. When you are sedated you are still conscious, but you are given medication to feel relaxed, and there is a good chance that you won't remember much about the dental procedures after the medication wears off. Oral medication is typically used for sedation dentistry, but some practices may use I.V. sedation. Just make sure that your dentist is certified in this type of dentistry before undergoing any type of sedation.

For more info, speak to a local dentist.