Keep Flossing!

A few months ago, flossers everywhere rejoiced: The Associated Press suggested that flossing may not be necessary. So what’s the problem? Why can’t you ditch the mint-flavored Reach? Because Dr. Miller wants you to keep flossing!

The AP made this claim based on the limited studies that exist concerning the effectiveness of daily flossing. The studies that do exist have been on small sample groups and for brief periods of time. But while there may be little to suggest that flossing does prevent tooth decay, there are no studies that suggest it doesn’t, either. Because researching personal habits is difficult, it may be a while before any conclusive studies are conducted. In the meantime, Dr. Miller wants you to KEEP FLOSSING because:

• Nothing gets food out of your teeth like floss! Using a toothpick to unwedge a tiny speck of pepper that’s in your teeth would be like using a sword to trim a bonsai tree. If you’ve ever tried to scrape out a piece of spinach using only your fingernail, you know exactly how effective that technique is (not). Floss is precise and can get even the most stubborn food out. Apple peel, peanut skins, or popcorn, FLOSS DOES IT BEST.
• The plaque that builds up between your teeth can cause bad breath. If you’ve ever skipped flossing for several days and then picked the habit back up, you may have noticed that your floss and your hands smell…not so good. If food particles are hiding in there, the smell can be even worse. Avoid that embarrassing moment when you realize that people are backing away from you when you talk and just FLOSS ALREADY!
• Research has shown that people who floss generally live up to a year longer than non-flossers. Additionally, people who floss are less likely to get gum disease, which is linked to a host of other health conditions including heart disease. Make like saltwater taffy in your teeth and stick around for your loved ones by FLOSSING DAILY.

If you have questions about flossing, cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, or restorative dentistry, call the Miller Center for Esthetic Excellence to make an appointment. Whether you agree with the AP’s position on flossing or not, your smile is our concern.