Do we need scientific proof for flossing?

#flossing #flosser #functionaldentist #dentist #oralhealth
In today’s episode, Dr. Staci joins Dr. B to discuss the misinformation about flossing spread online by social media influencers. They explain why social media algorithms can be incredibly harmful, the destructive nature of clickbait and fearmongering, how studies against flossing measure up to the truth, and the positive results Dr. Staci has witnessed in her own patients who floss regularly. Our doctors then explore exactly what social media influencers say about flossing, the vital information they’re conveniently omitting, why our hosts are irked by the iteration that flossing causes bleeding, and how some influencers use their large fan base in a highly irresponsible way. Dr. Staci’s advice is simple: Please floss! And she warns against accepting medical advice that hasn’t referenced any credible sources. Finally, we look at the Bristle Health study confirming the benefits of flossing, why Dr. B thinks that flossing is a no-brainer, and the transmissible nature of bacteria and other factors you must consider when making decisions about your oral health.

Key Points From This Episode:

Dr. Staci and Dr. B discuss the misinformation being spread online about flossing [00:52]
Why social media algorithms are more harmful than helpful [01:22]
The perils of clickbait and fearmongering [01:45]
Assessing the studies that go against flossing [01:57]
What Dr. Staci has witnessed in her patients who floss regularly [03:03]
The (wrong) things social media influencers are saying about flossing [03:49]
The vital information that influencers are omitting [05:59]
Why Doctors B and Staci are irked by the statement that “flossing causes bleeding” [08:07]
How it’s utterly irresponsible to use a big following to spread misinformation [09:02]
Dr. Staci’s professional advice: Please floss [10:11]
Talking about the Bristle study that confirms the benefits of flossing [11:00]
Water picks as a great alternative to flossing [13:30]
Dr. B gives his take on why flossing is a no-brainer [14:14]
Why you need to also consider the transmissible nature of bacteria [15:39]
A quick summary of what we’ve covered in this episode [18:33]

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[askthedentist]

Thanks for watching this episode with Dr. Staci Whitman! If you're finding it valuable, please vote by hitting the LIKE button on the video. This lets me know what type of guests to book for upcoming shows. Thanks! - Dr. B

[freeandfabulous]

It would be fun to have you both debate Dr Phillips on this subject. We as lay people have no clue what studies and research means what since highly expert people have very diverse opinions.

[julietauscher]

Dr Ellie says not to floss and the biofilm actually protects your teeth. She has her own xylitol mint and gum line. It’s hard to know what to believe

[StudioRV]

Dr. Ellie Phillips has probably been practicing more than both of you combined, and based on her clinical and personal experience, is apposed to flossing. Any thoughts on her position?

[rosinareyes]

Drs!! I am an RDH in Texas and since Covid have become “enlightened” if you will. I’m torn daily when it comes to placing fl2 varnishes and other routine procedures of “modern”dentistry. I educate my patients on the importance of nasal breathing/mouth taping, not using mouthwash etc. but recently my boss asked me to stop but said he’d consider allowing it if i bought him documented PEER REVIEWED studies on this subject matter. Would either of y’all know where I’d most likely be able to find some?

[zoe]

Great video, thank you. Can you recommend a good flosser? I think I've read that some floss isn't good for us (coated in toxic chemicals?).

[sharont]

Studies have changed of the years .. afraid to change at 56 when I’ve been doing to have no cavities …. I chew them up to like 10 minutes after a meal if I don’t brush. … I brush 2 to 3 times a day. .. I rinse out my mouth with a more natural rinse or salt water sometimes not I’m gonna consistent basis… floss not every day even have water picked .. Baking soda, my teeth at times … but very consistent making sure before I go to bed to brush my teeth … I take anything with caution to change after 56 years

[PWRKZMK]

Can you demonstrate flossing for shorter teeth? 99% of the how to floss properly videos show people with jumbo-sized chiclet teeth. Everyone says just floss as if it's a natural habit.

What should people with shorter teeth do? There's not enough room to go up and down between teeth without pushing way down under gumline and maybe causing more damage, or the space between the teeth is very right and excessive force is needed.

The vibrating flosser you recommend by Slate is disappointing despite your rave reviews. The heads DO NOT LAST for more than 1 use. So, lots of plastic waste is created. The tool is also cumbersome to reach back molars where flossing is already very tough to do. Vibration is nice if you avoid touching the teeth, but when the flosser string breaks every 2nd tooth, that's just wasteful.

Do you check plaque under microscope? What can be done at home to kill the bad bacteria? Lugols Iodine, Salt, Baking soda, Hydrogen Peroxide? Hyroxyapatite, colloidal nano silver? What actually works?

String flossing requires 2 hands and large teeth with canyon spaces between and all perfectly aligned. What should those with manual dexterity or disability, crossbites, shorter teeth, and tight spaces do?

What about the ultrasonic scalers? Are those safe to use at home? Is there any research on those tools?

What about miswak, neem chewsticks? Is there any research on the efficacy of those for brushing as part of oral care?

How about expandable floss with xylitol?

Is there a flosser wand with replaceable floss string [not wasteful plastic heads] that can reach back molars?

Or is water flosser the holy grail? 😮‍💨

[zoe]

Is water flossing good enough, or should we floss too? I love my water flosser but I can floss too, if you think that's important.

[jessicalowther]

I can't quite get my head around flossing. It just seems like a bad idea to push anything towards, especially into the gum line. I use a waterpik beforehand now so it doesn't seem as bad. I use an ionic toothbrush and brush away from the gumline.

[thomasthetankengin]

I have a question. Do you ever answer questions?

[zoe]

Also, how to keep the nasal passage clear for nose breathing? Would you recommend a nasal irrigator?

[rumi-tunes]

please comment on this site about "geographic" plus is scraping that young OK.
I do not use other social media .

[susanmonro]

I don't see links for the Bristle (flossing and tongue scraping) studies, could you provide? Their website also does not provide.

[robertwhite]

If you brush the front of your teeth to remove plaque, flossing is just how you brush the sides. If you are going to do one you should do the other. KISS

[jeffmiller]

Love you guys and your vlogs! New to the functional dental regimen here and absolutely loving it . Well done and please keep the knowledge flowing. 🦷👅👄🤍