Can't be bothered to look up numbers, and they'd be easily dismissed anyway, since you'd (rightly) say, "Well, I'd go to the dentist before it got that bad!"

Even if death by abscess-related brain infection is rarer than being struck by a meteorite, it's still easier to prevent than death by car accident, stray bullet, or extraterrestrial projectile. Low cost, high reward—makes sense to do it.

Of course, knowing these things to be true hasn't kept me from skipping a few cleanings. Especially because, thanks to my TMJ, I really do feel your post-appointment pain.