Oral health and overall health are closely linked.  More so, the condition of your teeth and gums is crucial to your well being.  Flossing is the dental equivalent to exercising for a longer life.  You need both, but much more, too. To begin, the mouth is the primary pathway into the body, and an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and viruses.    Take  bacteria : They can double their numbers every 20 minutes. In your mouth are  700 strains , typically 20 billion microorganisms, and they shed an additional 100 billion every day. Bacteria harden into plaque. They cause: Cavities Tooth loss Bad breath Gum recession Gum bleeding (gingivitis) Periodontitis (gum disease) Greater susceptibility to high blood pressure, stroke, cardiac arrest and heart disease Furthermore: This is how the process works: As the inflammation from pathogens or periodontal disease damages the tiny blood vessels in your gums, oral bacteria are allowed to enter your bloodstream. Although the body has many systems