Ben and Gary Show - Episode 49

Do We Need To Floss?

Just The Teeth We Want To Keep!

Dr. Dan Pinto is back to help us answer today's question. Do I have to floss?

A while back the NY Times was the first to report that the benefits of flossing are overrated. Are they?

What does flossing do?

Consider what flossing does for us. Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth, a common area of decay in adults. Flossing improves oral health. We now know that an unhealthy mouth is the source of problems elsewhere in the body.

Do electric toothbrushes and water picks replace flossing?

Makers of electric toothbrushes and water picks want us to believe their products eliminate the need for flossing. Plaque is sticky. A forced stream of water does not remove it.

Think of a dish with stuck on food. It takes more than a stream of water to clean it. It takes some mechanical scrubbing. Plaques removal needs the mechanical action of flossing too.

There are many benefits to electric toothbrushes and water picks. They stimulate the gums and clean under oral appliances such as implants and fixed bridges. They are just not a substitute for flossing when it comes to removing plaque.

Yes, flossing takes time

But flossing can save us time and money at the dentist. To be most effective, flossing needs good technique. We must ask our hygienist or dentist to check our technique and teach us the best practice.

There you have it. Three dental second opinions. Take the time to floss.