08/18/2026
Two cleanings a year may be what your insurance covers. That does not mean it is the right schedule for every mouth.
Dental care should be based on your gum health, inflammation, medical history, and individual risk factors, not simply the date of your last cleaning.
Why does that matter?
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, and periodontal health may be connected to much more than your teeth. Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In a large study of national health insurance records, adults with chronic periodontitis were 95% more likely to develop dementia, even among those with otherwise healthy lifestyle habits.
Periodontal bacteria, including P. gingivalis and T. denticola, have also been identified in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
An important distinction: these findings demonstrate an association, not proof that gum disease causes dementia. Research into this connection is still developing.
But your periodontal health is something you can address. You cannot change your age or genetics, but you can evaluate and treat the inflammation occurring beneath your gumline.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, do not dismiss it or wait automatically for your next six-month cleaning. Let’s take a closer look and determine what your mouth actually needs.
Call West Kerr Dental to schedule your evaluation.
📞 (830) 367-1171
📍 3164 Junction Highway, Suite W-1
Ingram, TX 78025
Choi et al., 2019
