Is flossing really important?

Recently the CDC removed flossing daily from their guidelines for Americans stating there is no conclusive evidence of the efficacy of flossing.

Bull...

I have been a hygienist for 20+ years and can unequivocally state that flossing works.

Flossing breaks through the contact between the teeth removing food particles that would otherwise cause decay.

Flossing introduces oxygen into a non-oxygen environment killing the non-oxygen bacteria. Non-oxygen bacteria destroys the bone around the root of the tooth. Over time so much bone is lost that there is nothing to hold the tooth in place, thus causing tooth loss.

Bacteria in gums (periodontitis) is a contributing factor in heart disease (Arterial Sclerosis). Because you have an infection, you are unable to stabilize your A1C numbers, thus making it difficult to keep Diabetes under control. There is also proof of low birth weight babies in periodontal compromised mothers.

If you had a thorn in your leg and an infection (non-aerobic bacteria) formed around it, until that thorn – the origin of the infection, is removed, the infection will not get better. The same analogy can be made for a thorn (food) left in the gums. Flossing is the antibiotic for the infection in your gums.

Perhaps there is not enough “scientific” documentation for the need to floss. But Dentists and Hygienists have years of experiential proof. I'm sure the ADA and the ADHA will be coming out soon with their own rebuttal to the CDC. Suffice it to say, our office will still be STRONGLY encouraging out patients to floss.

Marjean Otis, RDH