It is quite common to feel a little anxious about seeing a dentist and this problem can affect anyone, even people who regularly have checkups and hygiene appointments and who enjoy reasonable dental health. However, the thought of visiting a dentist can be even worse for anyone who actively avoids dental care because of severe dental anxieties. It can be very difficult to overcome these feelings, even when you know you need treatment. For some people, these anxieties may have their roots in real-life experiences and where a previous bad experience in the dental chair has created memories that are hard to overcome.