10 Reasons To Floss

This is another "light a fire under my own you-know-what" post. After reading about the reasons listed below, I think I'm going to try and get back into the habit of daily flossing:

1. flossing prevents cavities from starting between teeth, where the toothbrush can't always clean
2. it prevents gingivitis (gum disease)
3. prevents against heart disease
4. prevents against periodontal disease (disease of the bones and structures supporting the teeth)
5. prevents halitosis
6. lengthens lifespan by increasing overall health. If teeth are not flossed, harmful bacteria can remain and eventually end up in the bloodstream, causing other problems:
7. stroke
8. diabetes
9. low birth weight babies preterm babies
10. bacterial pneumonia

There are more, but you get the idea. Our mouth is full of bacteria, and sometimes brushing and the presence of saliva aren't enough to keep it under control.

More sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001
http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/flossing.html
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2007/nov/26/your-teeth-your-health/