The Associated Press made an impact in the dental hygiene community this year when it reported that flossing might not be as essential to preventing cavities and gum disease as everyone might have thought.
After analyzing 25 studies that compared the use of a toothbrush to the combination of floss and toothbrushes, the AP found the evidence for flossing to be, “weak, very unreliable” and “a moderate to large potential to bias.” The AP filed a request last year under the Freedom of Information Act to the departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture for their evidence, only to see that the flossing recommendation has been removed from the federal government’s latest dietary guidelines. Flossing is a crucial aspect in many people’s daily dental hygiene and some people rely on science to guide what they do and don’t do. Devon Tyler, a freshman at Florida State College at Jacksonville, is an avid flosser and has been for years. After reading the AP story, “Medical Benefits of Dental Floss Unproven,” Tyler says his dental routine will stay the same. Brush, floss, and then mouth wash. To change his dental hygiene, a full and extensive study must be done. “I’m a very analytical guy that focuses on science,” said Tyler. “Just because there isn’t enough evidence from these studies, doesn’t mean that flossing doesn’t work.” The American Dental Association still credits flossing as being, “an essential peat of taking care of your teeth and gums,” but the AP might make those who don’t floss feel a little less guilty. Shelby Buchanan, a junior at Bishop Kenny High School, never flosses. After reading the Buzzfeed article, “Scoop of the Decade,” Buchanan says that we are all so quick to believe what is presented to us even without the proof. Our dentist is our doctor and we are told to trust what our doctor says. “I always knew that brushing was just as good as flossing,” said Buchanan. “Now I won’t feel as guilty for my flossing habits or lack thereof.” Flossing has been known to cause potential harm. Flossing can, “dislodge bad bacteria that invade the bloodstream and cause dangerous infections,” according to the AP. Not only could it be a possible health hazard, flossing can be a painful experience for many people. Maya Lamsal, a Public Health major at the University of North Florida, doesn’t floss because of the pain it causes her, not because she doesn’t want to. Cosmopolitans, “Turns out flossing isn’t quite as healthy as we thought,” gave Lamsal some hope for the future. “Now I won’t have to force myself to floss out of fear for my health,” said Lamsal. “No more swollen gums for me.”
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AuthorA girl who likes to write about music, sports and current events. Archives
February 2017
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