1. Floss Your Teeth!

3. How to Floss:
Using 18 inches of dental floss, wrap it lightly around your middle fingers.
Firmly grasp the dental floss with your index fingers.
Forming a C-shape, carefully slide the floss up and down between your tooth and gum line.
Gently slide the floss in between both sides of your teeth and repeat until finished.

4. Why Floss?
People with periodontal disease are times as likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and 3 times as likely to suffer a stroke.
New studies show that diabetic patients with severe periodontitis have difficulty maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Infected oral tissues with pneumonia bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs where immune defenses fail to wipe them out.
Mothers of prematurely born babies were 7 times more likely to have advanced periodontal disease than mothers whose babies were normal weight at birth.
Individuals with artificial joints and heart valves are at an increased risk of suffering a serious infection when periodontal bacteria enter the bloodstream.

5. Why Floss?
Recent research has found that gum infections may in fact contribute to the development of diabetes, heart disease, premature, underweight children and respiratory diseases.
it is said that flossing regularly can increase a person's life expectancy by six years. The reason is that if bacteria that causes periodontal disease is allowed to build up, it can trigger an immune reaction which can cause your arteries to age.

6. Some mistakes:
Not flossing at all - Due to everyday stresses of rushed lifestyles, people do not seem to be able to take a few minutes to floss. Flossing is just as important as brushing in the prevention of dental decay and periodontal problems.
Not flossing daily - Flossing will not be effective if one does not floss daily. Plaque accumulation occurs quite quickly; so not including flossing as part of the daily oral hygiene home care regimen will not be as effective in the prevention of cavity and gum disease formation.

7. Mistakes people make:
Not placing the floss under the gum line - Not placing dental floss carefully under the gum line, the area where plaque accumulation occurs most, will not be as effective in the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease.
Rushing when flossing the teeth - One cannot perform proper flossing when rushing through the procedure of removing plaque. One should take at least 2-3 minutes when flossing. This is a small amount of time when one weighs the benefits of good oral health.  

8. Misconception:
Flossing is not just supposed to remove food particles like meat from between your teeth. The primary function of dental floss is to remove the invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms between your teeth called plaque. Flossing should be performed between each tooth.

9. Steps for Good Oral Health:
1. Use a good, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush that will allow you to reach all the teeth surfaces. Avoid old, frayed bristles or brushes you used after a cold or flu. Change your brush  at least every 3 months.
2. Use a fluoride containing toothpaste to help reduce incidence of cavities.
3. Brush properly
4. Floss properly
5. Use disclosing tablets or liquids to help you locate if you missed areas with plaque.
6. Avoid smoking or other tobacco products.
7. Watch for any signs of periodontal disease such as: bleeding gums after you brush or floss, tender, swollen gums, constant bad breath, separating teeth, loose teeth, etc.
8. Note if you are grinding your teeth, which can place excess force on the tissue  supporting the teeth. A night mouth guard while sleeping may be needed.
9. Note the medications that you take, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, heart medications, etc. Let your dentist and hygienist know.
10. Visit your dentist and Periodontist regularly for oral examinations and dental cleanings.