Flossing

It took me a long time, but I have finally done it. I have successfully developed the habbit of flossing my teeth at least once a day. In fact it is now at the point where I rarely leave my house without first flossing. I cannot believe the difference it has made in my mouth. My gums no longer bleed when I brush my teeth. My gums are now strong, impervious to pain, and spongey. I can now see through the spaces between my teeth when I examine them in the mirror. My dentist has been encouraging me to floss for many years. He explained that the plaque that develops in your arteries is the same as the plaque that forms on your teeth. When your gums bleed, plaque from your teeth gets into your blood stream and attaches itself to your arterial walls. Flossing helps to ward off heart disease.

It was reported recently that Listerine was forced to remove a television ad making the claim that gargling with its mouthwash after brushing is just as effective as flossing. I never liked that ad. Gargling with Listerine cannot remove bits of food from between your teeth, and it can't toughen your gums. It can only kill a few germs. Anyone who believed the message of that advertisment has earned my contempt.

Flossing is a time consuming activity for which there is no quick fix alternative. Floss at least once a day, and those trips to dentist every six to eight months will stop hurting. Your gums will stop bleeding. Your health will improve. Your mouth will feel cleaner. Your breath will smell better. Your teeth will look brighter.