Share:

There has been some disagreement lately among dental professionals about whether flossing provides a benefit to your dental health. Until now, the most common position in general dentistry has been to encourage patients to floss. But is flossing helping? Leslie B. Anthony, D.M.D. in Kalispell, MT, says “maybe.”

Although the benefits of flossing have not been conclusively proven, no one has proven flossing doesn't help, either. Rather, the question has not been adequately studied, documented and quantified. This lack of reliable evidence is why large professional organizations have pulled their endorsement. Until large-scale, high-quality studies are carried out, the benefits of flossing remain an open question.

What IS clear is that flossing often removes plaque and food debris that toothbrushes can't, helping to clean fully one third of your tooth surface. Since plaque and food debris are known contributors to gum disease, Dr. Anthony recommends flossing until more conclusive evidence becomes available. It's unlikely to hurt.

Whether or not you floss, what's most important in preventative dentistry is to make sure that your daily hygiene routine is supplemented by regular visits to a general dentist. Home care isn't enough on its own, and neither is professional dental care; together, they protect and preserve your teeth and gums. If you're overdue for any type of dental appointment, we would love to see you in the office.  Schedule now with Leslie B. Anthony, D.M.D. in Kalispell at (406) 752-8161, or learn more about our services online.

tracking