Like most people, I'm an inhabitant of the internet. Maybe it's because I'm a dentist or maybe because Google likes to push my buttons, but I keep seeing articles and references to articles touting that people no longer need to floss.

As a dentist, I try to stay up on the latest procedures, technology, and research. I'll admit that flossing was always something I took for granted as a given. In my clinical experience I've seen the difference between patients who do and don't floss regularly. Nobody likes to do it, but I do think it helps.

I think the crux of the argument for most of the websites saying floss doesn't do anything are focusing on the development and progression of tooth decay (which flossing will have a small impact on). Don't forget there are gums between those teeth though, and they get really unhealthy really quick when food and bacterial plaque hang around in there. Bleeding gums are the first sign of inflammation and that something is wrong. Floss goes where your toothbrush can't. Good brushing but not flossing is like cleaning your floor but ignoring the corners.

So just do it! It's so much easier to maintain healthy teeth and gums than trying to treat disease later. And if you ever have any dental questions I'm always happy to try and answer them, just give me a call!

Chad Versluis