I too was a chicken when it came to the dentist. I finally had a toothache so bad I had to go.I looked in the yellow pages where many ads tell you, the fearful patient, what painless procedures are avail- able. I had root canal work with just novacaine & didn"t feel a thing. I've never heard of a dentist who would berate a patient for his brushing habits. Don't forget, he wants you to come back. Once you get it straightened out-make a promise to yourself to go every 6 months for a cleaning. I go every 3 months because I NEVER want to buy polident. Infected teeth can cause heart troubles,as Sorcha said, and also bladder & kidney troubles. Besides, kissing is much more fun when you don't have rotten teeth.