A new report on dental health published by the Associated Press on Tuesday goes against everything your dentist has ever told you.
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The AP also notes that previous year when the federal government issued its latest dietary guidelines; it had removed the recommendation for flossing your teeth.
For decades flossing has been considered critical in preventing gum disease and cavities.
“Since neither the 2010 nor 2015 Advisory Committees reviewed evidence on brushing and flossing teeth, the authors of the current edition decided not to carry forward the information on brushing and flossing included in past editions of the guidelines”, she says.
Severe periodontal disease may take five to 20 years to develop, the Time reported.
“What general dentists like myself are aware of is what they see in their patients’ mouths on a day-in, day-out basis”, Levin said Tuesday from Hamilton, where he practises. “Proper flossing can remove dental plaque from the adjacent surfaces of the teeth”, a spokesman said, adding that the department would continue to review developments related to the issue.
The Associated Press recently looked at the results of 25 studies comparing the use of a toothbrush with the combination of brushing and flossing. It is hard to believe flossing does little to protect teeth and keep gums healthy.
Flossing might not be sexy but it is big business and the global market is predicted to reach $2 billion dollars by next year. The studies that did show slight advantages to flossing mostly used unreliable or outdated methods. All of this was done without warning or notice.The government did, however, send a letter to the AP in which they acknowledged that they had never actually researched the effectiveness of flossing as has been required by law.
Still, he urges his patients to floss to help avoid gum disease. “Ultimately those two sides are going to rot away quicker”.
“Dental flossing is part of good oral hygiene practice”.
Floss can even cause harm, with poor technique leading to damaged gums and teeth and also dislodging bad bacteria, which can lead to infections.
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Not all dentists are accepting the latest news about flossing.
