To floss or not to floss: That is suddenly the question

For decades, the federal government and dentists have recommended flossing daily to prevent cavities and gum disease. Now the evidence for flossing appears to be hanging by a string. The Associated Press announced last week that its investigation of 25 studies on flossing found the data supporting its benefits to be “weak, very unreliable,” while also noting that the federal government’s new dietary guidelines have quietly removed any mention of flossing. If you’re smiling about the news — a recent study found that nearly one-third of American adults never floss — hold on. Should you still floss? Yes, say experts from the University of California’s two dental schools. UCLA Dr. Paulo Camargo “The dental profession is behind flossing 100 percent,” said Dr. Paulo Camargo, associate dean of clinical dental sciences and the Tarrson Family Endowed Chair of Periodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry. “It’s a preventive measure that’s common sense. The cost of telling people not to floss would be a lot higher in terms of exposure to bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.” Dr. Mark Ryder, chair of the Division of Periodontology at the UCSF School of Dentistry, agrees. “You need a way to remove those soft deposits that accumulate between the teeth,” Ryder said. “If you throw away your floss and don’t do anything else to clean between your teeth, you’re leaving problems behind.” The case for flossing Why floss? Blame plaque, an almo...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news