As a periodontist in Mason City, I need to say this to those who rejoiced at the recent Associated Press report that found little scientific evidence backing the effectiveness of flossing: You should definitely still floss!

More than 500 different types of bacteria can be found in dental plaque. And while brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, it’s the plaque and debris that gather in the hard-to-reach spaces between the teeth and along the gumline that can be rather insidious if a person is not flossing regularly. Prolonged exposure to plaque buildup can incite an inflammatory response in the gums, one that often leads to gum disease (which is also known as periodontal disease). As it advances, periodontal disease can erode the bone and gum tissue supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss. With a large body of research linking it with such systemic conditions as diabetes and heart disease, periodontal disease can also go beyond the mouth and affect a person’s overall wellbeing.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two American adults over the age of 30 has some form periodontal disease. There are a number of factors that contribute to its onset, including age, whether a person smokes, the presence of other systemic conditions and family history. However, by continuing to floss daily as a low-cost and low-risk part of a regular oral hygiene routine (which should also include brushing twice a day and receiving a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year), a person is doing his or her part to contribute to a life of healthy gums.

Here’s what we need to understand about the Associated Press report: a lack of high-quality evidence is not proof of ineffectiveness. Much of the literature cited in the AP’s report was poorly designed. An ideal investigation of flossing’s impact on gum health — research that has not yet occurred likely due to considerable expense — would require thousands of participants and, because gum disease is one that progresses slowly, would need to occur over the course of at least 10 years.

Until research like this is conducted, my fellow dental professionals and I encourage Americans to floss on.

 

Gene J. Fortman

North Iowa Periodontics

member

American Academy of Periodontology