You may have recently heard in print and digital news media that there have been questions raised about whether flossing in between teeth provides a health benefit as a recent study found that the differences in tissue health were not statistically significant in flossers and non-flossers. We felt it would be important to discuss this topic and set the record straight from a scientific and dental health perspective.
We want to urge you and your children not to abandon your flossing routine. Also, we would like to ask you, does your mouth feel cleaner after you floss? Do you ever find small food particles or plaque debris in between your teeth after you floss? Most of you would say yes to these questions. So many of our patients have told us how flossing has changed their overall dental health, appearance of their gum tissues, reduced bleeding while brushing, and led to easier 6-month check ups.
The ADA (American Dental Association) put out a response to this recent study. They stated that, “a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to lack of effectiveness.” Unfortunately, due to a variety of factors including the cost involved with following people over a long term study, anatomical differences in teeth and their alignment, and differences in flossing/brushing/mouth rinse techniques (a lot of people just do it wrong) the research available on the effectiveness of flossing is not the strongest.
However, flossing just makes good sense. It is a low risk, low-cost proposition. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque that is on your teeth. Flossing helps to remove that plaque that is between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. When plaque builds up, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease-causing cavities and more dental problems. Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation at or near the gumline that is commonly related to a build up of food and bacteria between the teeth. Flossing can help to prevent this when done regularly. Flossing can also help to remove hidden particles of food between teeth that brushing doesn’t always reach.
Due to its simplicity, low cost, and common sense (your bristles just don’t make it into these areas) it is our strong recommendation to make flossing a part of you and your child’s everyday routine. Pick a time of day that is most convenient for you. Perhaps you like a clean mouth before bed or morning is a better time in your household. Whatever your routine, just take the time to do it. The benefits greatly outweigh the challenges. Children under the age of 10 really need help when it comes to flossing. Usually, very young children cannot manipulate the floss on their own. You should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth together touch in their mouths. There are all sorts of products out there that you can use to floss. There is the string-like floss and there are also different kinds of dental picks that work to get between teeth as well. Find a product that works best for you and your family.
If you have any questions about how or why to floss, we are here to help.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
