If you fear going to the dentist then know you are not alone. Due to dental fears 5 to 8 percent of Americans will not go to the dentist where as another 20 percent of American will go but only when absolutely necessary.

Studies being done by scientists at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, suggest that there are two factors in helping manage dentist-related stress: optimism and humor. They found that when patients went in for visits with a feeling of optimism and the dentists’ offices had an atmosphere of humor to them, patients were much less likely to have fearful, stressful visits.

So when trying to address your dental fears go into the dentist with optimism.  Such as remind yourself how much better you will feel afterwords.