Tag: should I floss?

What is dental floss and why should I use it? Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments that removes food and plaque that stick between teeth where a toothbrush is unable to reach, polishes hard to reach tooth surfaces, and can help control bad breath. What kind of floss should I use? It really is a matter of personal preference. Waxed floss has a coating that helps it slide through tight spaces. Unwaxed floss does not have this coating, so it is thinner. You can also use Dental tape which is helpful if you have a bridge or wider Read More →

Have you heard all the recent hype about not needing to floss anymore? Well, let’s look at what this is really about. Since 1979, the federal government has recommended flossing. Last year, the associated press reviewed 25 studies that compared brushing alone versus brushing and flossing. This review concluded that the evidence for flossing was “weak and very unreliable.” As a result, the Department of Health and Human Services removed the flossing recommendation this year. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) sites several other studies that show the benefits of flossing. The ADA and Family Dentist Tree will continue to Read More →