Oral care industry experts have responded to recent reports that the benefits of dental floss are “unproven”.
Earlier this month the Associated Press reported its findings after reviewing research into the efficacy of dental floss products undertaken in the past ten years.
The group concluded that the evidence presented was “weak, very unreliable, or of very low quality and carries a moderate to large potential for bias”.
The story was backed-up by some in the oral care industry, which reiterated that flossing was not the best way to remove plaque.
Deborah M Lyle, Director of Professional & Clinical Affairs at Waterpick, a brand which provides a water-based alternative to flossing, agreed with the report’s findings.
She said: “The Associated Press just confirmed what I have known for years – the unequivocal recommendation of string floss is not scientifically based. However, the announcement did not say you do not have to clean between your teeth. As a clinician and researcher, I have found that a water flosser was better for my patients than string floss and they have been proven more effective in several clinical studies."
Meanwhile, some brands and businesses are standing by dental floss as an effective method for removing plaque.
Tim Bradstock-Smith, Consultant Cosmetic Dentist and Founder at the London Smile Clinic, told Cosmetics Business: “I regularly see the difference between patients that floss and those who don’t – and it can be quite noticeable. Ideally, everyone should floss twice a day after brushing, but once a day should be sufficient.”
This position was reflected by the American Dental Association (ADA), which released a statement in response to the report’s claims.
“To maintain good oral health, the ADA continues to recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said.
