The move comes amid a debate over whether flossing actually works. Now, the federal government has removed flossing from its dietary guidelines, sparking a nation-wide argument.
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As of this year, flossing is no longer a recommendation by the federal government. The recommendation had to be based on scientific evidence. Dr. Jennifer Olson of Jennifer K. Olson DDS, says she wouldn’t take flossing out of your routine. At least according to the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services who left out daily flossing as part of their dietary guidelines.
Local Dental Hygienist, Darbi Beck, said if you stop flossing, you may feel pain and your hygienist will notice.
Studies that have looked at the health effects of flossing seem poorly designed, too small, or improperly conducted, the AP reported. “The evidence for flossing is “weak, very unreliable, ‘ of ‘very low” quality, and carries ‘a moderate to large potential for bias, ‘” AP reporter Jeff Donn wrote in a story explaining the investigation, published this week (August 2).
“The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal”, said one review conducted a year ago.
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“Floss is important. It helps get in the gums, keep your gums healthy especially for kids because they’re always eating candy, junk food and who knows what else they’re eating half the time”, Jason Adams of Scranton said. Another 2015 review cites “inconsistent/weak evidence” for flossing and a “lack of efficacy”. Quite frankly, I’ve never enjoyed dragging high test fishing line through my teeth while making my mouth bleed. I’ve made it my entire life and I’ve never even had a cavity.
