On the heels of a controversial flossing study that indicates there is no strong proof that flossing has oral health benefits, the ADA and other Federal Agencies are speaking out in support of the oral care regime.
In a story released on NPR, a spokesperson with the US Department of Health and Human Services said, “They [Associated Press] were not implying that this is not an important oral hygiene practice, although dental floss was mentioned in past editions of the guidelines, it was most likely identified as a supporting recommendation along with brushing teeth, with the primary emphasis being on the nutrition-based recommendation to reduce added sugars.”
In a Fox News report, ADA Member and Texas Congressman Dr. Brian Babin also noted, “As a practicing dentist for 38 years, I have literally seen with my own eyes and experienced in my own oral hygiene the benefits of flossing. It prevents interproximal tooth decay in between the teeth.every dentist believes it is beneficial to oral health and therefore overall health.”
The Huffington Post, meantime, stated that “a lack of good research doesn’t prove something is ineffective ― just that it hasn’t been a priority for research funding.” ADA spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina still maintains that flossing is effective. “We need to remove bacteria from the teeth, from the gums, and from in between the teeth.”
In a controversial investigative story by Jeff Donn, he questioned the American Dental Association (ADA) about its claim that flossing is an essential part of oral care.
The ADA’s representative, “acknowledged weak evidence, but he blamed research participants who didn’t floss correctly,” writes Donn. The federal government, meanwhile, removed the guideline after Donn inquired, and when he asked for an explanation, the Fed “acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required.”
While THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® stands by the use of dental floss daily as an important part of oral care, other dentists across the U.S. are also calling on patients to continue flossing their teeth. The ADA has also released a statement on the benefits of using floss and an article titled, “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question,” discusses evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.
MouthHealthy.org also provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique.
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