Having your teeth cleaned at least once a year is nonnegotiable. The good news: It doesn't have to be a terrifying experience. Many dental offices offer nitrous oxide (also known as "laughing gas") for cleanings, which is completely safe -- as long as you don't have asthma or another respiratory disorder. The gas is administered through your nose and produces a relaxing, almost giddy feeling. (Some offices offer nitrous oxide for free; others may charge up to $100.)
You can also request Novocain to numb your teeth and gums before a cleaning, which can help alleviate anxiety. And in our office, we'll even call in a prescription for Valium to help calm patients who are especially fearful. I tell my patients, let's do whatever it takes to get that cleaning done!
