When we ask our patients how they are doing with their daily flossing, here are a few of their answers: 1) "It hurts", 2) "I’m too lazy", 3) "My gums bleed", 4) "I hate flossing", 5) "It’s too boring", 6) "I never have time", 7) "I ran out of floss", 8) "I think it’s gross", 9) "I’m too tired after work", 10) "I can’t reach my back teeth", 11) "My fingernails are too long", 12) "My teeth are too close together", 13) "It spots the bathroom mirror", 14) "It turns my finger purple". Do a few of these excuses sound familiar? Brushing is only half the story. If you don’t floss you re really doing only half the job necessary to clean your teeth and gums properly. Remember gum disease starts painlessly and can progress without you knowing it. That’s why it’s so important that you brush and floss daily.