Your dentist in Williamstown, NJ wants to warn against believing the hype about not flossing. You probably noticed the firestorm of articles, Facebook statuses, and tweets proclaiming the end of flossing earlier in the month. But Dr. Kassem feels it is every dentist’s duty to remind patients that flossing still matters as much as it ever has. Dental floss is the only method you have for removing the bacteria your toothbrush just can’t reach. And a thorough floss shouldn’t add more than two minutes to your daily dental hygiene routine, anyway. Flossing — it’s just worth it.
Why Flossing Was Removed from Dietary Guidelines
What caused what we’ll now call the anti-flossing movement? If you read the stories, you know it was due to the fact that the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services quietly removed flossing from their annual publication Dietary Guidelines. Their reasoning? Insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of flossing.
Let’s think about this for a second. They didn’t find that flossing was unnecessary — they just didn’t see enough proof that it actually does anything to justify its continued inclusion in Dietary Guidelines. But as some people are pointing out, we wouldn’t test the effectiveness of wearing a parachute while jumping out of an airplane versus not. There is only so much funding to go around in the world of dental research — and it seems like the benefits of flossing just haven’t been given enough attention. Maybe because we know it works.
Don’t Give Up the Floss Just Yet (Or Ever)
Let’s get floss back on the nighttime agenda. The habit is effective in removing the particles that cause periodontal (gum) disease, the condition that’s been linked to a number of other serious diseases. Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, premature birth and low birth weight are all linked to the chronic gum infection.
And aside from reducing your risk of gum disease and improving your overall health at the same time, flossing also freshens your breath and helps to prevent tooth decay. That’s because no matter how well you brush your teeth (and let’s face it, most people could do a better job with the toothbrush), there are some areas that you just can’t reach. Between the teeth is one of them.
Want more proof that flossing is still very much “in?” Consider the fact that right after the news came out, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the federal government published a release touting the importance of floss and interdental cleaners. Take some time to remind yourself of proper flossing habits by watching the ADA’s instructional video on how to floss.
Flossing: Just Part of the Picture
Good dental health requires three things: brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist as recommended for preventive appointments. People should also maintain a balanced, nutritious diet and stay away from tobacco for better dental and oral health. When was your last visit to Dr. Kassem’s office? If it’s been longer than six months, remember that preventive dental care keeps teeth and gums healthy. Schedule an appointment today!
