If you haven’t been to the dentist in years the thought of going back can cause anxiety. If you have been avoiding the dentist out of fear or embarrassment those feelings can continue to get in the way of you getting the care you need. But sometimes the need for dental care can override those negative emotions – especially if you are in pain. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years there are a few things you can do to get back in the routine of getting the oral care you need.

Schedule a routine dental checkup

The first step to take if you haven’t been to the dentist in years is to schedule an appointment. You may have to wait a few days or a couple of weeks to get an appointment that works with your schedule. You can take that time to work through some of the issues that have been holding you back from going to the dentist all this time. The type of appointment you need to schedule is a routine dental checkup. Your dentist will need to assess the current condition of your teeth and gums before getting started on the process of fixing any issues.

Remember that dentists work with a wide range of patients

There are a number of issues that can hold people back from going to the dentist. Fear of pain and a general fear of the dentist are both common factors that hold people back. Some people are concerned about the potential cost of dental work. Another potential factor is embarrassment about the condition of your teeth. No matter what has been holding you back, it is very likely that your dentist has encountered patients with the same issue. Remember, dentists work with a wide range of patients including those who struggle with fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. Dentists are there to help and will be focused on helping you get your oral health back on track – and not on judging you.

Be open about the last time you received dental care

As you prepare for your first dental appointment in years, resolve to be open about the last time you received dental care. Tell your dentist the truth about your current oral care routine. Being honest about these elements will help your dentist identify ways that you can improve your oral health going forward.

Commit to going to routine visits from here on out

The final thing you should do if you haven’t been to the dentist in years is to commit to going to routine visits from here on out. You need to break the cycle of missing routine dental appointments. Before you leave your upcoming appointment, schedule the next one. This simple step can help you keep up with your routine dental appointments in the future.