Experts recommend that the average person visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. However, many people skip these appointments, either in an attempt to save money or because they simply don't like going to the dentist. If you haven't been to the dentist lately, you may not know what to expect. Knowing what will happen in advance can help you feel more at ease. Here are four things that will happen at your next dentist appointment.

It's not uncommon to be afraid of the dentist. Many people find the idea of dentist visits alarming, and no procedure is more dreaded than the root canal. However, the fear surrounding root canals is unfounded and mostly based in myths and hearsay. Root canal therapy is no more painful or frightening than any other dental procedure. Here are four things you can do to make sure your root canal treatment is as easy as possible.

You have an anxiety disorder, which by itself is something you have to live with and conquer every day. However, when you have to go to the doctor or the dentist, your condition can become even more worrisome. The dentist in particular can make you feel afraid because dental work can make you feel stressed and make your anxiety worse. If you have an anxiety disorder, your dentist needs to know.

If you're someone who enjoys drinking warm beverages, especially during the cooler months of the year, it may be tempting to reach for a cup of coffee or a mug of black tea. While there can be advantages of enjoying these beverages — the energy boost from their caffeine, for example — they can also have detrimental effects on your teeth. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a coffee or a tea from time to time, but it's ideal if you don't make these drinks a daily occurrence.

If you develop a dental abscess, consider it an emergency situation. A dental abscess is a severe tooth infection, and if not treated quickly, it can lead to severe health consequences. Here are some reasons your dental abscess is an emergency and what you can do about them: Purulent Drainage  A dental abscess usually drains a purulent discharge. This means that the discharge associated with an abscess contains bacteria-laden pus, raising your risk for a life-threatening infection known as sepsis.

You want to give your child the best possible start in life; this goal includes their dental health. To maximize the health of your child's teeth, here are a few habits to ditch as soon as possible. 1. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Both thumb sucking and pacifier usage can be detrimental to your child's dental health. Though it's common for toddlers and babies to suck their fingers to self sooth, the constant sucking can interfere with the development of your child's mouth or alter the alignment of their teeth.

There are many advantages to getting braces, and most orthodontic patients will go through the process of having braces without many complications. For some people, however, there can be a series of issues that can range from being a minor hassle to downright painful. If you're looking for a straighter smile but you have some reservations about braces, Invisalign may be the right choice for you. In addition to being far less visually evident, Invisalign trays are unlikely to lead to emergency situations for your mouth.

Teeth are more than just a means to grind food. They play a huge role in how confident you feel about your looks. If they're not in the greatest condition, you might want to get help from a cosmetic dentist. They can restore them with these great procedures.  Teeth Whitening  If you don't brush properly, smoke regularly, or eat certain foods, your teeth can actually turn yellow. Luckily for you, these results don't have to be permanent when you work with a cosmetic dentist.

Having missing teeth can significantly hurt your confidence and impact your personal and professional life. You can have this problem fixed with dental implants, fortunately. When you undergo this cosmetic procedure, you'll reap the following benefits.  Improved Smile  As mentioned earlier, having a gap between teeth is a noticeable dental issue. It can be so bad -- in fact -- that you may never want to smile. If you're hoping for a change, you'll be happy to know that dental implants can give you back a complete smile again.

Many people brush their teeth, floss, and use mouthwash regularly, but may fail to practice another tactic that is essential to proper oral hygiene. Brushing your tongue might not seem as easy as brushing your teeth, and it may not feel as pleasant, either, especially if you have a strong gag reflex, but it's important to devote a few seconds each time you brush to brushing your tongue. You don't need to do so with a lot of pressure.