By Dr. Kyle Blair

Covington Family Dental

Earlier this summer, my phone screen lit up and I read the following text message from a good friend: “I knew it! Flossing’s a sham.”

As a dentist, my interest was immediately piqued. A quick internet search showed dozens of well-reputed newspapers and other media outlets questioning the scientific evidence to support daily flossing. Roughly a year ago, the Associated Press asked the federal government to provide the evidence used to make its recommendation of daily flossing in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. When the guidelines came out this year, flossing was not listed. When asked why, the government responded that there was not enough scientific evidence to make the recommendation. The AP saw this, wrote their article, and it spread like wildfire. Many Americans rejoiced at the prospect of no longer being required to floss. Let’s be real: No one likes to floss. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.

There are hundreds of types of bacteria that can live in peoples’ mouths. Many of these colonize on the teeth and gums, forming plaque. Specific bacteria within plaque, found in most peoples’ mouths, have been identified as the causes of tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, plaque needs to be removed. Brushing your teeth can remove plaque from 65% of tooth surfaces. What is most effective at cleaning the other 35 percent? Floss.

The AP article brings up a good point, however: We need more data to firmly establish the link between flossing and the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. We know plaque causes these diseases and we know flossing removes plaque, but the direct link has only been weakly established. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of studies that show the effectiveness of flossing, there just aren’t enough studies with enough people over a long enough period of time to provide the level of evidence required.

One study by Hujoel and Cunha-Cruz, examined the link between professional flossing and the prevention of cavities in children. In the study, oral health care professionals regularly visited an elementary school and flossed children’s teeth over an 18-month period. The children were divided into three groups: five days per week of professional flossing, one day per month of professional flossing, and normal flossing at home. Results showed 40 percent fewer cavities in the children who received professional flossing five times per week compared to each of the other groups. This study demonstrated that effective flossing can significantly reduce the formation of cavities. We need more studies like this one, but over longer periods of time with larger groups of people.

Should you floss? Absolutely. Please don’t wait for results from new studies to be published either. Get that plaque out by any means necessary. After all, it’s not just gross, it causes tooth decay and gum disease, both of which lead to tooth loss if not treated. How about we make a deal… just floss the teeth you want to keep.