Flossing keeps teeth healthy Published Sept. 24, 2009 By Virginia Bennett 375th Dental Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- What comes in a box, costs about $7 a year, is strong enough to have freed prisoners from their cells, yet submissive enough to wrap around your little finger? The dental floss you should be using every day. However, according to a survey by the American Dental Association only about 49 percent of the U.S. population reports using this white wound wonder as often as they should. There are plenty of good reasons to be a flossing fanatic: keeping teeth, promoting fresh breath and avoiding possible repercussions of periodontal (gum) disease such as increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Below are some additional reasons to floss: Lack of flossing leaves 30 percent of teeth's surface dirty. Often, periodontal disease begins between teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Bleeding during flossing is not normal and not okay. If your hands bled when you washed them, would you overlook it? Bleeding is a sign of periodontal disease. If gums bleed for more than two weeks after beginning to floss, you should visit a dentist or periodontist. There is no age limit for flossing. It's important for children to start flossing when the gaps between them close, but starting even before this helps establish the habit.