Let's face it, it's not exactly normal to have someone prodding away at your teeth with a variety of metal implements. Especially if that prodding might lead to them wielding a drill in your mouth. So if you are afraid of going to the dentist you've got good reason. But you also need to keep your teeth in good order. So what can you to stop being afraid long enough for you to sit in that dreaded chair for a handful of minutes whilst they carry out the inspection and hopefully give you a clean bill of dental health for the next six months.

1. Find a seven hills dentist

They do exist. Honest!

In fact, most dentists are acutely aware that they aren't the most popular person on your appointments schedule.

But in the same way that we don't all have the same friends, you need to take a bit of time to find a dentist who doesn't completely fill you with fear and dread at the mere mention of their name.

So interview your potential dentist before selecting them. They're more used to this happening than you imagine.

2. Bring someone with you

Almost every dentist worth booking an appointment with will allow you to bring someone else with you to - maybe literally - hold your hand whilst you lie back on the chair and subject yourself to the ordeal of having your teeth examined.

If they don't, there are plenty more dentists in the phone book who will let this happen.

Of course, this means finding someone who can make the same appointment times as you, so it involves a bit of extra effort but it is a lot better than letting your teeth rot.

3. Practice good dental hygiene

Hopefully your phobia about dentists doesn't extend to cleaning your teeth on a regular basis.

Much the same as getting your car serviced, cleaning your teeth on a daily basis is a good way to make your visits to the dentist more pleasant because it will be a case of "no fault found" and a request to come back in six or twelve months.

4. Learn to relax better

Start by taking long, deep, breaths when you even think about having to visit your affordable dentist seven hills.

And practice other relaxation techniques that will help you to cope better with sitting in your dentists' chair for those 5 minute checkups that seem to last forever and a day.

If you can find a way to concentrate on something enjoyable whilst you are being examined then you can speed up time (in the same way as time flies when you're enjoying yourself) rather than go through the ordeal in slow motion.

5. Knock yourself out

If the worst comes to the worst and you have to have a filling, it is possible for your dentist to give you an anesthetic that will put you out for the duration. They'd prefer to just use a local anesthetic - and that's definitely my recommendation if at all possible - but explain your fear and find out what is the best way to allow the dental work to happen without your fear of the dentist preventing this vital work occurring.