The fact is that most people don't floss... probably because they find it too fiddly and awkward to use,   but floss is an excellent way to clean the gaps between your front teeth and if you already floss you should continue.

Dental plaque is a sticky residue of bacteria, acid and food particles that can irritate your gums and eat away at tooth enamel. It is the bacteria in the plaque that causes dental diseases, that is tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque grows in protected areas on the teeth. It grows on the tooth next to the gums, in between the teeth, and in the grooves of the back teeth.If it is not cleaned off the teeth, it will eventually grow and completely cover the teeth.

The mouth is the window to the body. It is both an indicator of the body's overall health, and a potential starting point for inflammation of the gums (periodontal disease), which affects three out of four adults age 35 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several theories exist to explain the link vetween periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.

Periodontal disease not only causes tooth loss - researchers have also linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and premature birth. Conversely, researchers are making the connection that these diseases can make an individual more susceptible to periodontal disease.

If you keep your mouth clean, it's very hard for the bacteria that causes periodontal disease to get started. You'll also reap other benefits - fewer fillings, healthier gums and a brighter smile.

We've always known that a little prevention goes a long way, but we used to think of it in terms of avoiding cavities and things like that. Now it seems that by using your toothbrush and your floss, you might also be preventing much more serious health problems down the road.