You know, you can relieve your anxiety and survive the dentist.

Fears can be real or imagined, and when they potentially involve pain those fears can be very powerful.

Lets imagine you must go to the dentist because you have a severe toothache. You will need an injection and you will hear the sounds of a drill.

Firstly if the mere thought of this is freaking you out. Look at the computer, take a look around the room and notice any red objects. This simple exercise reminds your mind that you are safe and that nothing is happening at the moment.
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As you calm down, just cast your mind back a few minutes and notice how strong your anxiety was. Notice how much your thoughts are affecting you and realise that they were just thoughts and that you changed them quickly.

Next write down how you think the dentist is going to be and how you will feel. How painful will the injection be? How uncomfortable will it be lying back in the chair with your mouth open. What will the drilling feel like?

What words will you use to describe this situation? What if you wrote that the injection would be the worst pain you could ever feel? Is that really true? Is it worse than a series wound, or childbirth? Or even a bad road accident?

You know that it won't be! What if you told yourself that the injection will be a sting that will last about 5 seconds, and that the injection contains an amazing juice, which will allow the dentist to stop the pain you are feeling, and that your mouth will feel wonderful afterwards.
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All your dental pain will be gone, and you will be able chew again without discomfort. And you suddenly realise that the pain you are experiencing is a hundred times worse than the gentle sting of the injection.

Look at all the language you are using about the dentist, and soften each strong word or phrase. Now remember only the short sting and the rapid pain relief, think only of being able to eat comfortably.

See yourself walking out of the dentist feeling a relief from your pain and your dental anxiety will ease and soften like your words, and you will begin to feel calm and relaxed, and I wonder if you will choose to take care of your teeth in the future, and get them cleaned regularly.

And I wouldn't be surprised if your teeth are surprisingly health for years to come.