Another yearly dentist appointment, another lecture from your dentist about your poor flossing habits. Sure, you left feeling sheepish enough to floss for the two weeks following your appointment — after which you promptly returned to your old, floss-free ways. That is until it was time for your next dentist appointment.

But now, in a unique twist of fate, the tables have turned to expose your dentist for who she really is: a liar. At least, according to some people.

The Associated Press recently revealed that there is insufficient evidence to prove the benefits of flossing. Dentists around the world were quick to jump on the bandwagon, agreeing that the proof in favor of flossing is “weak” at best.

But the American Dental Association (ADA) was having none of it. They rushed to defend so-called “interdental cleaning,” saying that it’s an essential part of oral hygiene.

So who’s the liar? And should you be flossing? (Or, more accurately, should you feel bad for not flossing?)

The Thinking Behind Why Flossing is Good For You

Dentists have long said that flossing could prevent food from building up between teeth, remove plaque, and generally reduce your risk of cavities and conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Some are sticking by this thinking. But a lot of the studies used by the ADA to back up these claims are outdated — the ADA has been touting flossing since 1908, believe it or not.

The AP also reported that too small a sample was surveyed and that conclusions were “unreliable,” with a “moderate to large potential for bias.”

In the U.S. some of the studies which concluded that there were benefits to flossing were funded by manufacturers of — you guessed it — floss. Conflict of interest, much?

But Can Flossing Hurt You?

Actually, yes, but only if you don’t do it properly. Flossing can damage teeth, gums, and prior dental work. There’s also the potential that bacteria liberated when you floss might get into your bloodstream — presenting a risk of infection.

To Floss or Not to Floss, That is The Question

The ADA’s floss guidelines may be overkill, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid flossing altogether. And most experts agree — whether they believe in flossing or not — that there are benefits to cleaning the space between your teeth. But flossing isn’t the only way of reaching those areas. A toothpick or a small interdental brush will do the trick, too.

Bottom line? The risks associated with flossing are pretty minimal, and a lack proven benefits don't mean that none exist. Just ask your doctor to let up on the shaming next year.

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