Dr Sigmund Leung Sai-man, president of the Hong Kong Dental Association, said the issue was about flossing not being practised properly.
Advertisement
An AP review of 25 studies over the past decade shows the evidence for flossing is weak and unreliable. The studies typically compared the use of a toothbrush alone with the combined used of a toothbrush and floss. One medical review said, “The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal”. Another said there was only “inconsistent/weak evidence” for flossing and a “lack of efficacy”.
The findings fly in the face of accepted wisdom on dental health.
While some people have no trouble incorporating flossing into their daily oral health routine, many others balk at the ritual of slipping the thread- or tape-like material between their teeth, Levin conceded.
Upon the news agency’s request last year for evidence to justify the USA government’s advocacy of flossing since 1979 – first in a surgeon general’s report and later in the dietary guidelines issued every five years – the federal administration admitted that the effectiveness of the method had never been researched.
In order to be a part of the Dietary Guidelines, however, there needs to be research and studies in order to prove that it is in fact based on scientific evidence.
Since 1979, the federal government has included the use of dental floss as part of the health recommendation guidelines, according to News 6.
Still, many dentists will continue to recommend flossing for removing debris between your chompers. Aldredge said he encourages patients to floss, even with the shaky evidence. You should be moving the floss up and down the sides of the teeth instead of in a sawing motion.
This stain on the dental profession was cracked wide open a year ago when the Associated Press asked federal agencies for the data behind its recommendation that Americans floss.
For decades flossing has been considered critical in preventing gum disease and cavities. However, the reviewers ranked the evidence as “very unreliable”.
In its statement the ADA said: “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach”.
Image caption Is there evidence to back up claims that flossing is good for you?
But Hong Kong’s Department of Health appeared unimpressed by the news yesterday.
Advertisement
“Flossing helps remove plaque that is located between your teeth and can not be reached with a toothbrush”, the group said in a statement.
