How often should you visit the dentist? Do you know the answer? Now for the better question, how often do you actually go?

Only 5 out of 8 people have been to the dentist in the last year. If you thought your coworker had some serious halitosis, he or she might be one of the other three.

We all know we need regular dental cleanings. And we all know we need to brush twice a day and floss once. And we all also know we need more sleep at night.

Now, the last two are for you to figure out. But keep reading if you want to learn about the top benefits of regular dental visits.

1. Preventive Maintenance

Do you get your oil changed 3-4 times a year? You should be doing this because it prevents bigger damage down the road. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The same applies to regular teeth cleanings by professionals. Science and medicine see a connection between the digestive system and the body.

A majority of the immune system is contained in the intestines. The mouth is the start of the digestive system. Dentists receive training which shows what signs point to other problems.

And even without insurance, a dental cleaning twice a year costs less than larger problems. And a dentist can eliminate those large problems while they are still small. But not if you don't go.

2. Fresh Breath

Human beings like to be close to each other. In fact, human contact is essential to our well-being.

But what can ruin close contact with another person? You guessed, bad breath.

And we have all been there, you are talking to someone you find attractive. But you move in a bit too close and discover a foul odor with every word they say.

All of a sudden, you don't want to be as close to them or find them as attractive. This is not always the case, most of us can look past mild bad breath. And we can forgive medical halitosis.

But, at the same time, why chance it? Go get those teeth cleaned, and take the advice of the doctor to heart. Listen to what they say about the best way to keep breath fresh.

With fresh breath, you are almost guaranteed to get more hugs.

3. Dental Cleanings and the Heart

As stated above, the digestive system is connected to everything. The food and nutrients you ingest fuel the entire body.

Dentists can detect early warning signs of cancer, heart disease and stroke from the mouth. And all of those things are life altering. But, when left untreated or undiagnosed, they are life-ending.

A life with less sugar beats having mild paralysis from a stroke. And having a bit less sugar beats being dead always.

Finish reading, and then schedule your next dental cleaning. Go twice a year if you can, but if you can only make it once a year, that is better than none.

4. Chewing Sans Teeth

Sounds difficult, yes? Because that is the function of teeth, to chew and pulverize food before it goes down. And while your first solid food was baby food, you don't want to go back to that, do you?

Think of all the delicious things you wouldn't be able to eat without teeth. Steaks, chicken, pork chops, vegetables, apples, even most bread would be cut from your diet. Yes, you could get dentures, but think of the expense.

You first have to deal with the pain of teeth developing cavities and rotting away. Then, you have the expense and pain of having teeth removed. Finally, you have to pay to have the last ones extracted and dentures created.

That process is long, painful and expensive. The short, pleasant and cheaper way involves going to the dentist a couple of times a year. It's true, going to the dentist may not be fun.

But, by comparison to the alternative, there is great fun to be had. Go easy on your budget, get those teeth cleaned often. You can often stop tooth loss in its tracks with an hour every six months.

5. Brighten Those Pearly Whites

Cosmetically speaking, white teeth look better. They shouldn't glow, but they shouldn't be black, yellow or brown either.

Back to what was said earlier about needing more sleep. Because we don't get enough, many of us turn to low-grade stimulants from tea or coffee.

While they allow us to function and be away, they make our breath bad and yellow our teeth . Regular brushing, flossing, and fluoride won't remove these stains.

Instead, you will need to get to a dentist for some polishing. They can pull out those stains without destroying your teeth in the process. Afterward, you can smile with more confidence.

You'll know that you have improved your own attractiveness. What's more, you'll have done so without the blood, sweat, and tears of an intense workout and diet.

These are only a few of the benefits of consistent dental cleanings. But you can reap them and many others with no more effort than a phone call. While your dentist may scold you for not flossing, they are always glad to see you.

Also, dentists don't enjoy people in misery. They prefer a healthy mouth coming to them with minimal problems. There could be many reasons for this, but the main one seems to be a big heart.

Let's face it, you don't go into dentistry without a passion for people. You have to look in mouths all day and not everyone's is pretty. What's more, you have to tell people the same advice every day, with few every listening.

Your dentist, like your doctor, wants to see you be healthy and pain-free. So why not give us a call today to schedule your next cleaning? Your mouth and your whole body with thank you.