but consensus...studies, papers and 3 out of 4 dentists.
There’s no real proof that flossing your teeth helps prevent gum disease, according to a new study by the Associated Press.
The federal government has recommended using dental floss for more than 30 years and the guidelines are required to be based on scientific fact.
However, when the AP filed a request for the evidence used to issue the guidelines, the government “acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required.”
The AP looked at 25 studies that generally compared the effectiveness of brushing versus brushing and flossing.
“The evidence for flossing is ‘weak, very unreliable,’ of ‘very low’ quality, and carries ‘a moderate to large potential for bias,’” the AP reported.
Researchers found that companies that make dental floss paid for most of the studies and sometimes designed and conducted the research themselves.
The American Dental Association is standing by its recommendation to floss daily.
“Although recent news reports have questioned the benefits of cleaning between your teeth, using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums,” the organization stated on its website. “The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing may also help prevent gum disease and cavities.”
However, researchers point out that the ADA makes money by offering dental floss manufacturers its Seal of Acceptance.
“The ADA promotes the seal to companies as something that ‘directly affects the purchase decisions of consumers,'” the AP researchers stated. “Each manufacturer is charged $14,500 for the evaluation. If it approves the product, the ADA then charges an additional annual fee of $3,500.”
Study: No real proof that flossing your teeth helps prevent gum disease | FOX31 Denver
#noflossy
There’s no real proof that flossing your teeth helps prevent gum disease, according to a new study by the Associated Press.
The federal government has recommended using dental floss for more than 30 years and the guidelines are required to be based on scientific fact.
However, when the AP filed a request for the evidence used to issue the guidelines, the government “acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required.”
The AP looked at 25 studies that generally compared the effectiveness of brushing versus brushing and flossing.
“The evidence for flossing is ‘weak, very unreliable,’ of ‘very low’ quality, and carries ‘a moderate to large potential for bias,’” the AP reported.
Researchers found that companies that make dental floss paid for most of the studies and sometimes designed and conducted the research themselves.
The American Dental Association is standing by its recommendation to floss daily.
“Although recent news reports have questioned the benefits of cleaning between your teeth, using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums,” the organization stated on its website. “The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing may also help prevent gum disease and cavities.”
However, researchers point out that the ADA makes money by offering dental floss manufacturers its Seal of Acceptance.
“The ADA promotes the seal to companies as something that ‘directly affects the purchase decisions of consumers,'” the AP researchers stated. “Each manufacturer is charged $14,500 for the evaluation. If it approves the product, the ADA then charges an additional annual fee of $3,500.”
Study: No real proof that flossing your teeth helps prevent gum disease | FOX31 Denver
#noflossy