For many years I struggled with my fear of Dentists the effects on my life were getting worse.

• Very rarely did I smile - it showed my teeth.

• If I talked face to face with someone my hand was often held front of my mouth.

• Eating .... well that's another story. I had to be careful what I ate and how it was eaten. At first I chewed using the side of my mouth that had the best teeth. However this soon caused problems on that side of my mouth, so to relieve that I ate on the other side. That too caused problems but I persevered. It's better than going to the dentist .... or so my fears convinced me.

• I felt so ashamed of the way my teeth looked.

• Frequently I would dream about my teeth and often woke up with a mouthful of broken tooth bits.

• Abscesses - they were a regular occurance. Thats when painkillers were used. In the past I had abscesses that lasted for days swelling the side of my face. When people asked what was wrong "I had a headache". The constant pain was almost unbearable but still my fears would not let me seek dental treatment.

  I have heard it said that "When it hurts enough people go to dentist" ......... Not if you're phobic you don't!!

  Maybe if you are phobic you may recognise some of the above. Your self confidence and esteem gradually erode away. It was doing with me.

  At that time there were several other things happening in my life and I realised that I had problems that needed to be sorted.

  About a year previous to this I had heard about a group that help phobics and decided that now was the time to contact them to see if they could help.

  That was a big step to take. I didn't know where it would lead .... But I am glad I did it.

  With the help of that group and an excellent dentist I managed to check my phobia and undergo dental treatment. It took about 2 years but it is now sorted. Its amazing how much better the my quality of life now is.

  So if you are phobic and reading this take heart IT CAN BE DONE.

  If you really want to overcome your fears and believe that you can do it .. you can.

  I know what your thinking ... Easier to say than do..... I agree but it is possible.