If you have ever avoided the dentist out of fear, you’re not alone. About 20 percent of Americans are so scared of the dentist that they will only seek dental treatment when it’s absolutely necessary. Whether you fear the loss of control in the dental chair, painful procedures, or simply don’t like people poking around in your mouth, dental anxiety can be debilitating. It can lead to poor oral health down the road, which is why it needs to be addressed and treated right away. Keep reading to learn 7 tips to beat dental anxiety.

There’s nothing like a summer vacation to help you relax and unwind, but don’t think you can take a break from good oral hygiene! It can be easy to forget to keep up your regular habits when you’re away from your normal daily grind, but even away from home you need to be constantly vigilant about tooth decay and gum disease. Here are 6 tips for maintaining an excellent dental routine during the summer.