LOL - the "Africa game" goes like this .... you say "I am going to Africa and in my bag I am going to pack (insert something that starts with an "A" like apple), then repeat, 'i am going to Africa and in my bag I am going to pack an apple and a 'insert a B item here'" etc etc etc........it takes alot of brain work to remember what u have packed and repeat it over and over and over ! Just a coping skill - or distraction technique. That is why the dentist or asst. talk to you or ask u questions while u are packed full of their hands and instruments - a distraction.

You are so right - putting off those regular check ups makes it harder to go. "Feel the fear and do it anyway". Like someone else said - an infection can be very serious !

Good luck !