The Professionals vs. The Headlines: What’s Up With Flossing?
YOU’VE BEEN HEARING a lot about flossing in the news these days. Recent articles stating that flossing doesn’t do any good for your oral health have left many feeling shocked and confused. As your trusted dental professionals, we’re here to set the record straight!
It all started with an article by the Associated Press stating that the benefits of flossing have been unproven. Unfortunately, haters of flossing were quick to take up their torches and pitchforks against the practice. In response to the Associated Press article, the American Dental Association released a statement saying that flossing is “an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” And we’re going to tell you why.
Here’s Why You Should Continue Flossing
Not flossing is like wearing your clothes in the shower. Many people will be intentional, no matter what, about brushing their teeth twice a day, as per the recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA); but quite very few are the ones that will follow the recommendation to floss at least once a day. And with so much misleading information out there where its importance has been minimized over the years in the name of convenience and lack of time, what many of these non-flossers don’t realize is that this step plays a crucial role in dental health. Unlike a toothbrush, which cleans the tops and outer surfaces of the teeth and gums, floss is an interdental cleaner. It’s designed specifically to clean the close-fitting spaces between the teeth and the gap between the base of the teeth and the gums. These are the areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. And while antimicrobial mouthwash can kill the bacteria that form plaque, it can’t remove the resistant tartar and the small pieces of food that can find shelter in these areas. An overwhelming amount of evidence confirms that proper dental care — including regular flossing — can do more than keep your smile pretty and healthy. A healthy mouth can also help prevent much more serious diseases, some of which can be life threatening. A healthy mouth is the window to a healthy heart and body.
We Care About Our Patients
We only recommend flossing because we care about your oral and overall health! Through our years of experience, we’ve seen the difference that flossing can make. So, ignore the headlines and take it from the professionals: flossing works! Keep up the good flossing habits and we promise you’ll feel the difference.
Have any more questions about flossing or your oral hygiene? Call us or come in today!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Top image by Flickr user KellyB. used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.