We get it — going to the dentist is rarely exciting. It’s probably fair to say that most people dread the thought. But these visits are necessary to maintain both your oral health and your overall health. 

It’s no surprise, then, that researchers have found a clear connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease, showing that the bacteria that causes gingivitis can move from your mouth to your brain.

At the offices of Virginia H. Ellis, DDS, we’re committed to providing you with as comfortable an experience as possible. We understand how intimidating the thought of going to the dentist can be, but we also understand the importance of maintaining proper oral health. An essential element of that care, according to the American Dental Association, is to have dental cleanings performed twice a year, or biannually. 

That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide explaining why it’s important to have your teeth cleaned biannually. 

Prevent gum disease

When dentists clean your teeth, they’re actually removing plaque and tartar that grow and harden on your teeth over time. This is something that only dentists can do, as you can’t remove plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing. 

Removing the plaque is important, however, because leaving it to accumulate in your mouth can lead to serious gum diseases like gingivitis.

Prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke

In addition to Alzheimer’s, gum disease also has a strong correlation with heart disease and stroke. A recent study in Sweden that involved 1,676 random participants over 26 years found a clear association between gum disease and stroke. This is because, as with Alzheimer’s, the bacteria that causes gingivitis can also enter your bloodstream, impacting your circulatory health.

Early detection

We can’t detect problems with your teeth if we don’t see them. Biannual dental visits are also how we detect issues with your teeth that you may not know about. Catching problems like broken teeth or gum disease early on helps us prevent any issues you may have before they progress. 

Prevent oral cancer

Oral cancer isn’t just a condition brought on by smoking. About 10% of people diagnosed with oral cancer don’t have a specific cause for it. So it’s important to ensure that your dental health is doing well. Biannual cleanings give us a better chance of detecting early on if you have any signs of oral cancer. 

Maintaining a healthy mouth is important, in a way that goes beyond a simple white smile. Keeping biannual dental appointments can help you prevent a host of serious dental issues. 

So don’t wait. Call us today, send us a message here on our website, or use our convenient online scheduling feature any time.