If you have an extreme amount of anxiety when it's time to visit the dentist, you are not alone. Millions of people put off a dental visit because of fear. This can contribute to bad dental health. Knowing tips that will help ease your nervousness when you have a dental visit planned may help you follow through with your visit.

Tip #1:  Talk to your dental provider

Take the time to let your dentist understand your level of anxiety in detail. This may help your dentist be more compassionate and approach your situation with a more gentle nature. Additionally, be sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have about a procedure that you need to obtain. This will help you know precisely what to expect and may help you feel less stressed.

Tip #2: Get to your appointment early

Fighting traffic and dealing with nerves can be a bad combination. Be sure to leave for you dental appointment in enough time to arrive at the office early. This can allow you some time to relax once you arrive at the office, and you won't feel as stressed.

Tip #3: Consider sedation for your visit

There are a variety of sedation options that may help you feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist. Listed below are some of these:

1. Oral sedation – Taking a pill to help ease your anxiety when going to the dentist.
2. Laughing gas - Nitrous oxide that you inhale to help you feel more relaxed.
3. IV sedation - One reason you may choose this option is that it will provide faster results for you because the medication is injected into your vein.

Be sure to talk to your dentist about all of your options and the work to choose the best one for you.

Tip #4: Sleep well the night before

The night before your appointment, you will want to be sure to get a good night's sleep. This will allow you to feel well rested the day you go to the dentist and may better help you be prepared for your visit. Consider taking an over-the-counter sleep medication or consult with your dentist about some type of medication to help you relax.

Keeping your dental visit is crucial for the health of your teeth.  Be sure to consult with a dentist like Ginger Scoggins DDS about other ideas to help you keep your appointment in order to get any dental work you need to be completed.