If the thought of the dentist makes your stomach turn, you're in good company — around one in four UK adults experience dental anxiety, and for some it's severe enough to avoid care altogether. The problem is that avoidance usually makes things worse, turning small issues into bigger, more daunting ones.
There's a lot that helps. Tell your dentist you're anxious — a good practice will go at your pace, agree a stop signal, and explain everything before they do it. Booking a short, low-pressure first appointment, bringing headphones, and choosing early-morning slots so you're not anticipating all day can all make a difference. For higher anxiety, sedation options are available and worth discussing.
A video consultation can be a gentle first step: you can meet a dentist, talk through your concerns, and make a plan from the comfort of home before ever sitting in a chair. Taking that first step is often the hardest — and the most important.