Wednesday, August 3, 2016

"Everyone recommends flossing – but there's hardly any proof it works"

The GuardianLast year journalists from the agency (AP) asked the departments of health and human services and agriculture in the US for their evidence that flossing works.

Since then, the US government has quietly dropped the recommendation, admitting that there is no scientific evidence to prove the benefits. And now the NHS is set to review their own guidelines.

On its website, it currently states that dental floss “helps to prevent gum disease by getting rid of pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth” which can cause inflammation.

9 comments:

Methadras said...

I floss because I don't like the idea that food particles in between my teeth cause tarter and bacterial growth and it make my mouth feel clean and purdy.

edutcher said...

Saw that piece,

I hate having stuff between my teeth, so it doesn't make much difference.

ndspinelli said...

I've read several pieces on this the last couple days. It appears flossing is, for most people, not particularly helpful or harmful. For diabetics, more susceptible to gum disease, it is still probably prudent to floss. But, for people w/ weakened immune systems, the bacteria dislodged via flossing may be harmful or very harmful. So, if it feels good do it, unless you are getting chemo, radiation, stem cell transplant, or have some other reason for a compromised immune system.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

Nothing worse than looking at a person talking to you who has cruddy, fuzzy teeth. Gross. Plus the smell.

Brushing and flossing takes little time and the feeling for yourself of having clean teeth and not offending others with your breath is worth it.

We have a water pic that was recommended for my husband, who is mildly diabetic. It works like a charm and does wonders for your gums. So in addition to brushing and regular flossing we use the water pic with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in the water bin.

ricpic said...

Some of us have food catchment areas between our teeth and if we don't floss it's uncomfortable in our mouths. Plus, it seems to me to be common sense that you wouldn't want food to be lodged between the teeth and sitting on the gums ROTTING!

AllenS said...

Toothpicks, my friends, toothpicks.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I'm partial to the toothpicks myself.

Plus I use a 'hard' bristle toothbrush I order online because I cant find them in the store.

Link

This toothbrush does the job.

ndspinelli said...

I always have toothpicks in my wallet. Anyone remember UL Washington, SS for the KC Royals back in the 70's/80's? Played w/ a toothpick in his mouth.

The Dude said...

I use a Philips ultrasonic toothbrush. Never floss, never use a toothpick, never get cavities.

Watch House, season 3, episode 13 and you too will learn to avoid toothpicks and gypsies.