In early August dental flossing hit the mainstream headlines following news that the United States health department has removed daily flossing from its list of dental recommendations, due to a lack of evidence to support its effectiveness. The NHS is now reviewing its guidance on flossing the teeth.

Credit: ©egal/iStock/Thinkstock

A US investigation found that there is no proof that flossing prevents gum disease or stops cavities. Despite this, American dentists have recommended the use of floss to patients since the late 1800s.

The British Dental Association's (BDA's) scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, was widely quoted as saying that floss can be ‘of little value’, and that small interdental brushes are preferable for cleaning the area in between the teeth, where is space to do so.

‘It is important to tell people to do the basics,’ said Professor Walmsley. ‘Flossing is not part of the basics.’

The dental fraternity quickly responded to highlight and emphasise the importance of regular interdental cleaning.

Michaela ONeill, President of the BSDHT, said that reports that flossing can actually be damaging to oral health are misleading and commented: ‘Although there has been no conclusive proof to show that flossing is beneficial to oral health, there is evidence which shows that regular interdental cleaning with interdental brushes plays an important role in our oral health routine. Regular interdental cleaning removes the biofilms that develop in-between teeth. This is commonly called plaque and hosts various microorganisms which, if left in situ, can lead to dental decay. It is this plaque that we aim to remove daily.’

A wider round-up of views on flossing was due to be published in the British Dental Journal on 26 August. Look out for a link on the BDJ Team Facebook page www.facebook.com/bdjteam.