You might have heard the excitement: In the news recently, there have been some reports that flossing your teeth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Obviously, this is something that just about anyone would love to hear because it would mean one less dental hygiene step toward a clean, healthy smile. Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to get swept away with this new floss-free craze because the research behind it just doesn’t support the results. It is, in fact, just as essential as ever that you take out that floss once a day. Allow us to explain why you’re hearing these reports, so you don’t fall victim to bad hygiene rumors.
Reason #1: People Aren’t Flossing Correctly
When you hear the (inaccurate) news that you don’t need to floss, dismiss it. A significant reason some recent research has included results showing flossing is not as effective as once thought: There were no solid controls regarding the flossing methods of the subjects. As a result, it is impossible to make claims regarding this dental hygiene essential without knowing whether flossing was performed accurately.
Reason #2: People Read Headlines, Not Stories
Your friends may be telling you all about this but it’s important to remember that many individuals read headlines but ignore the details of news stories. As a result, people often overlook the specifics (such as the fact that flossing may not have been performed well).
Reason #3: Not All Research Is Reliable
You can research any topic and come up with specific statistics about just about anything. When it comes to something as important as dental hygiene and flossing, remember that the best place to find your information is dental professionals. Ask any dentist (including our practice) and the answer is always identical: You need to floss to avoid oral health concerns like periodontal disease.
