Ask the doctor
Q. I recently read an article claiming that flossing your teeth is a useless activity. Is this true? Should I not do it anymore?
A. Last year, the U.S. government's dietary guidelines dropped the recommendation for regular teeth flossing. This action was not due to any new research refuting the benefit, but rather the fact that the existing research did not meet current standards for "proof" of benefit.
Part of the problem is that most flossing research is a challenge to interpret. For example, many studies are short-term, covering only three to six months. In this time frame, the addition of flossing to regular toothbrushing lowers the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis). Yet, bone loss from gum infection (periodontitis) and cavities may take longer to develop, so how flossing may help with these problems is unknown. Also, a recent review of flossing studies found that many were sponsored by the makers of dental floss, which raises questions about conflict of interest.
Since flossing is inexpensive and low-risk, the American Dental Association and most dentists still endorse daily flossing. The long-term benefits may be unproven, and more definitive proof still may be years away. If you have trouble with traditional floss, try interdental brushes, which are easier to hold and use. You can find them at most groceries and drugstores.
—William Kormos, MD
Editor in Chief, Harvard Men's Health Watch
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FAQs
"Daily dental care to remove bacteria from the teeth, gums, and tongue is relatively inexpensive compared with costly dental treatments," says Dr. Brennan. A proper dental routine consists of five steps: rinsing, brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and a final rinse.
Is flossing every day really necessary? ›
Since flossing is inexpensive and low-risk, the American Dental Association and most dentists still endorse daily flossing.
Does the US Health Department recommend flossing? ›
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss (or another interdental cleaner) once a day. Some people prefer to floss in the evening before bedtime so that the mouth is clean while sleeping.
When the dentist asks if you floss daily? ›
There's no need to lie to your dentist about flossing. They can tell when you're not doing it and know how important it is for your oral health. So be honest about your flossing habits and commit to doing it daily. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it!
Is flossing no longer recommended? ›
Still unsure about flossing? While there may be limited evidence to support the benefits of flossing, there are no studies to show that flossing is bad for your teeth. In our practice, we find almost 80% of damage from gum disease occurs in between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach.
Is it OK to never floss? ›
I've heard there isn't much evidence that shows flossing is effective. Does that mean it's ok to skip flossing? The short answer is no. Cleaning all sides of your teeth, including between your teeth where the toothbrush can't reach, is a good thing.
Can I skip a day of flossing? ›
Creates a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine
Thus, the best way to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine is to not skip a day of flossing. For an ideal oral hygiene routine, brush your teeth and tongue, floss, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash twice a day.
Is waterpik better than flossing? ›
Is Water Flossing as Good as Dental Floss? The American Dental Association says water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can get rid of plaque. That's the film that turns into tartar and leads to cavities and gum disease. But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss.
What percent of people don't floss their teeth? ›
While most people make it a habit to brush their teeth at least once or twice a day, the majority of Americans skip out on flossing. Surveys conducted by the American Dental Association have shown that less than 50 percent of adults in the U.S. floss on a daily basis.
What are the disadvantages of using dental floss? ›
Of course, dental floss has some drawbacks. Some parts of the mouth are tough to reach, minor bleeding might occur if home flossing is not done correctly or on a regular basis, and it can induce gum sensitivity or make it work if home flossing is not done appropriately.
They think they can pull a fast one on us, but here's a little secret: dentists can tell when you've been flossing and when you haven't. The way we can tell if you're not flossing is if your gums are bleeding. Although there are other, less common conditions that can make your gums bleed, gingivitis is the main cause.
Can flossing too hard cause gum recession? ›
Similar to brushing too hard if you floss to hard you can also inadvertently contribute to developing gum recession. When you floss too aggressively you can accidentally cut into the gum tissue and this will then cause the gums to overtime recede.
What happens if you only brush and floss once a day? ›
Brushing and flossing are critical to ensuring a healthy smile. If you do not brush your teeth at least twice a day, you are putting your teeth and gums at risk of a host of possible problems. This includes: The formation of cavities or tooth decay.
Do you floss or brush first? ›
Recent research suggests flossing before brushing your teeth is the way to go. This approach is superior for eliminating dental plaque on tooth surfaces and boosts the fluoride concentration in your mouth. Flossing before brushing helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
What happens if you go years without flossing? ›
According to Richter, “Bacteria that haven't been flossed can damage teeth.” Daily flossing will remove impacted food and bacteria. It reduces the risk of developing cavities, and gum disease.
How often should you realistically floss? ›
So, how often should you floss? It's an easy question to answer: daily. When you're flossing once per day, try to ensure your technique is effective at removing plaque between your teeth and below the gumline.
How often do dentists recommend you floss your teeth? ›
The CDA recommends flossing at least once per day to remove plaque, bacteria and food debris and help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Does flossing really make a difference? ›
In most cases, your gums will become less tender and no longer bleed as they become healthier the more you floss regularly. So the answer to the question “Does flossing really make a difference?” will be apparent as you continue to practice good oral hygiene including flossing and watch your gums heal.
How do dentist know if you floss? ›
Yes, we can tell if you don't floss
Your gums give you away. Someone who brushes and flosses regularly has healthy, pink gums. But when you skip the flossing, your gums show it. They get red, swollen, and sensitive.
What are the disadvantages of flossing? ›
Flossing too roughly can damage your gums or even cause gingival clefts. Never 'saw' at the base of the tooth as this just causes friction on your gums and can wear down tooth enamel. Dentists also say to avoid 'snapping' the floss between your teeth, which puts pressure on your gums and can cause them to recede.
