It’s nearly impossible to live a life completely free from embarrassment. You may have a moment that you remember from your past, like stumbling on your words in front of your crush or accidentally spilling coffee on yourself in a busy café. There is one instance that you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about, and that is going to your dentist.

You may feel anxious about the visit if you haven’t had a checkup in a long time or know that you need an advanced treatment, but there’s no need to feel awkward. That might be easier said than done, so here is a breakdown on why you shouldn’t feel embarrassed.