Ask the Dentist: How to Overcome Nerves at Your Next Appointment

How often do you recommend somebody going to the dentist for a regular checkup?

I recommend going twice a year. I think going in once every 6 months or so is a pretty good schedule. When you go in, get a good dental cleaning and give the dentist a chance to take a look at what’s going on in your mouth. Dental cleanings are really important for your overall health, but when I see patients once every 6 months, it also gives me the opportunity to spot potential problems before they get out of hand. If you have dental insurance, they usually cover a cleaning once every 6 months anyway, so that’s another good reason to go twice a year.

Additional ResearchThough every six months is usually the best schedule, research does show that some people may not need to go quite so often. If you don't have diabetes, don't smoke, and have no history of periodontal disease or other oral health problems, talk to your dentist about the best schedule for you.

Is there anyone who should visit the dentist more often than usual?

If you have a gum problems or periodontal disease, I’d recommend seeing your dentist every 3 months. I typically schedule my patients to come in 4 times a year if they have calculus on their gums or they’re really inflamed. I’ll also make this recommendation for patients that get a ton of plaque or tartar buildup as well. I typically need to recommend a cleaning schedule like this for smokers. There’s never a bad time to quit smoking, but now’s an especially good time to quit if you’re tired of going in for frequent dental cleanings!

Additional ResearchDiabetes may also put you at higher risk for periodontal disease. If you're diabetic, ask your dentist whether you should get checkups more frequently.

How might you calm someone who feels nervous about going to the dentist?

It’s all about finding the right dentist for you. If you don’t like your dentist or you don’t have a good relationship with them, there’s nothing wrong with finding a new one. Read reviews or ask your friends for recommendations. We don’t take that kind of thing personally, so don’t worry! One way to build a good relationship is to go in for your regular cleanings and just get to know your dentist. If the two of you can share a good laugh and your chats don’t make you nervous, you won’t feel bad about going in for a big procedure if you need one in the future. If you build that trust with them, you won’t feel nervous the next time you need to go in. If you’ve got a phobia about going to the dentist, talk to them about it. We deal with this all the time and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If you really struggle at the dentist’s office, ask your dentist about laughing gas or medication to take the edge off during big procedures. This is a kind of last resort sort of thing, but it’s not unheard of. I don’t do it in my office, but many dentists do.

Additional ResearchSome people find that distracting themselves with music or audiobooks helps a lot, so don't feel shy about bringing headphones with you to your appointments! You can also try bringing a fidget spinner, a stress ball, or something else to keep your hands busy.