Dentists have always stressed the importance of brushing and flossing. A new study in published in the Journal of Periodontology gives the reasons why these two common tasks are vital. In the study, researchers found that tongue and tooth brushing in combination with dental flossing routinely was responsible for 38 percent reduction in gingival bleeding.

Halitosis, or bad breath, was also reduced. In the group that did not floss as part of their daily routine, gingival bleeding sites increased by almost four percent.

"Gingival bleeding and halitosis is often the first sign of poor oral hygiene that may eventually lead to further periodontal problems," said Walter A. Bretz, DDS, PhD, Department of Cariology & Comprehensive Care, New York University College of Dentistry and the mentor of the study. "A good way to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay is through at-home oral hygiene care and routine dental visits."