Your dentist has probably always told you floss, but a recent study questions whether or not these part of your daily routine is actually beneficial. This comes after the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services dropped any mention of flossing in their latest dietary guidelines. The American Academy of Periodontology released a statement saying the evidence for flossing benefits has fallen short because researchers haven't been able to examine its effects on gum health over a significant amount of time. Still dental hygienists say you shouldn't shy away from your flossing routine.
"Flossing is very important. Floss removes the plaque in between the teeth. Plaque between our teeth actually generates acid, and acid tends to cause gum irritation, gum disease or cavities even," said Lindsay Plummer a dental hygienist with Whole Health Dentistry.
Plummer says you should be flossing at least once a day, and the best way to do so is by moving the floss up and down the side of the tooth and below the gum line.
