Flossing can save your life.

Though buried deep in a July 30, 1999 Chicago Sun-Times story, good dental hygiene received its due in an article heralding the benefits of prevention.

Under the headline, "60-second lifesavers," the Sun-times urged readers to floss. "Yes, flossing can save your life," the newspaper reported, citing research at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine that links periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease.

"If you have gum disease, orals bacteria may enter your bloodstream through small ulcers that develop in gum tissue," the Sun-Times said. "Floss at least once a day."

Just where did flossing fall among the newspapers other lifesaving hints? Well, flossing came before popping an aspirin and eating salmon, but after washing your hands, taking a multivitamin, using seatbelts, changing the batteries in your smoke alarm, getting checked for osteoporosis, getting a flu shot, eating vegetables and screening for colon cancer.

Article as seen on ADA News.