MOUNT AIRY -- Visiting the dentist is crucial to keeping your mouth and the rest of your body healthy.

• More than a third of American adults don't have dental coverage
• Dr. John Gravitte DDS opened his office to hundreds of people for free dental work
• He says many people don't understand the connection between oral hygiene and overall health

But the American Dental Association says more than a third of American adults don't have dental coverage - making those visits expensive.

So Saturday, Mount Airy's Dr. John Gravitte DDS opened his office to hundreds of people for free dental work.

"If we can help these people and get their dental health moving in the right direction, they'll live longer, be less susceptible to disease -- you know, systemic disease -- which is kind of what it's all encompassing, all about," said Gravitte.

He says many people don't understand the connection between oral hygiene and overall health.

Dentists recommend two visits per year.