I have a dental cleaning and exam next week. i have also had a toothache off and on for awhile. i am super scared. how do i keep myself calm at the office? last time i had a mental breakdown because i had to get my teeth cleaned?

See doctor: Cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful. For the short term your doctor could prescribe a beta blocker to inhibit the "mental breakdown" Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/. Get HPV and Covid vaccines.

IV SEDATION : Find a dentist that puts you in a light sedated condition so you don.t feel any thing. If you need to have your tooth filled or any other procedure done including your cleaning you will be fine. Make sure you take some one with you to drive you home.

Dental phobia: Time to put your child's health first. The most common cause of toothache is infection, so treatment is required. You have some very real avoidance issues. A mental health professional, collaborating with a gentle caring Dentist, can help you manage the situation. Ask your General Physician to recommend the appropriate specialist.