Failure to floss not only increases the risk of gum disease, but can also contribute to heart disease, research suggests. Yet, only half of Americans floss their teeth once a day. Dr. Summer suggests getting in the habit in several different ways:

— Place your floss in the shower, when you are already in “cleansing” mode.
— Keep floss on a nightstand next to your bed as a reminder to floss before going to sleep.
— Keep your floss in clear view in a location you see every day.

The time you take to floss will save you thousands of dollars in dental care in the future.