But Jennifer Lang, the oral health promotions officer for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, says there are some simple ways to make that trip to the dentist less fearsome … and we probably already know what they are.

Ms Lang’s top tip for keeping our dental health in tip-top shape is to brush; twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

She says flossing daily is recommended, as it limiting the sugar in our diets.

And, finally, go the dentist at least once a year for a check-up.

“Australians are not always good at going for dental checks,” Ms Lang said.

“They tend to wait and go when they have pain.

“Going for regular checks can help prevent problems occurring.”

Ms Lang said regular check-ups help us to avoid not just problems with our teeth, but a whole range of other oral health issues as well.

“Tooth decay has actually been identified as the most common chronic disease,” she said.

“We say ‘healthy mouth, healthy life’.”