Recently you may have heard about some negative statements about flossing being disseminated by a dentist. There are a very select few where floss may not help but the vast majority of the population will always benefit from the act of floss or even better a water flosser or waterpik.
As to the question of to floss or not to floss being raised. The statement is flawed because the question isn’t that. The weakness of the evidence about flossing in preventing gum disease or tooth decay is more a reflection of difficulty to conduct a long term study not on the value of proper flossing for long term good oral health.
Brushing, flossing, eating healthy, protective aides and seeing us regularly has demonstrated marvelous results in having healthy teeth gums and mouth.
If you have any questions about this or anything else ask any one of our office members for more information about you or your family’s oral health.
The following is a statement from the Candian Dental Association as well as the American Dental Association in regards to this topic, which was issued on August 2nd.
The Canadian Dental Association supports flossing as one step of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Flossing is an effective preventative measure to remove plaque, the main cause of gum disease. The weakness of the evidence supporting the value of floss in the prevention of gum disease is a reflection of the difficulty of conducting the necessary studies, not of the value of flossing for the maintenance of good oral health.
Brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist regularly are all steps in preserving a healthy mouth.
- The American Dental Associationhas also issued a statement in support of interdental cleaners and regular dental visits.
- Here are some key messages you can relay to your patients:
- Cleaning between your teeth removes plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque build-up contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Let’s talk about what types of dental-care products will be most effective for your individual needs and the proper techniques for each.
- Cleaning between your teeth is just one part of a maintaining good oral health, along with brushing twice a day, eating a nutritious diet and seeing your dentist regularly.