Dentists say you could be flossing incorrectly – and it could be ruining your health!

MEDFORD, Mass. — Michael Scott from “The Office” famously made a New Year’s resolution to start flossing. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well because when he flossed at 12:01 a.m., there was “blood everywhere.” Surveys show poor daily flossing rates and numerous accounts of people deceiving their dentists about their habits. However, dentists can often tell the truth just by looking at the patient’s teeth.

Dental experts have always emphasized the benefits of flossing, especially in removing harmful plaque below the gum line, which can prevent long-term dental problems. In support of this advice, a recent study by researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) found that individuals who mastered and consistently used the correct primary flossing technique showed fewer signs of potentially serious disease. dental compared to those who did not.

“Flossing is more than just putting a piece of floss between the teeth to get some food out,” says periodontist and lead study author David Basali, DG19, MSD19, who performed the work while a resident in the TUSDM periodontology program, in a . university release.

This research was inspired by a controversial 2016 Associated Press article that highlighted the lack of long-term evidence supporting the benefits of flossing. Dental experts objected, stating that since severe gum disease takes years to manifest, conducting a multi-decade controlled study would be not only challenging but also unethical.

“After the 2016 AP coverage, studies were done that showed most people really aren’t flossing correctly,” notes Basali.

This made previous data on the effectiveness of flossing seem unreliable, given the myriad of techniques people used.

To address this, the Tufts researchers decided to focus on a clear indicator of possible gum disease: bleeding gums. They studied 36 individuals with gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease experienced by approximately half of all US adults. Symptoms include gums that bleed to the touch or when brushing. Participants were divided into two groups: one was trained in a flossing method known as the “adapted horizontal flossing technique” (AHVFT), documenting their daily flossing, and a the other group continued with their usual flossing habits.

Eight weeks later, the trained group showed a significant 70 percent reduction in bleeding gums, in stark contrast to the 30 percent reduction in the control group.

“This is the first study that we’re aware of to show that a person who flosses with a specific technique will have less gum infection than a person who flosses as usual,” says study co-author Paul Levi, D66, DG71. , who has taught periodontology at TUSDM for 20 years.

To give a brief summary of what happens in our mouths: bacteria thrive, breaking down the nutrients in our saliva and gum fluid. These bacteria produce sticky and harmful substances known as dental plaque and biofilm. This can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation, resulting in periodontal disease. These diseases not only damage the gums and bones, jeopardizing the stability of the teeth, but can also have consequences for general health.

Proper flossing targets these harmful substances, not just visible food residue. The AHVFT technique, approved by the American Dental Association, not only removes harmful bacteria effectively, but also prevents unintentional damage to the gums, which can lead to further problems.

“Sometimes we see patients who traumatize the gum line with improper flossing technique, which can create fissures by cutting into the gums and can lead to gum recession,” says study co-author Irina F. Dragan, DG15, MSD15, DI19, a faculty member at TUSDM. “The AHVFT ensures that the floss is properly fitted to the side of the tooth to prevent floss cuts.”

According to the study’s conclusion, 88 percent of participants trained in the AHVFT technique mastered it, highlighting the ease of learning this potentially tooth-saving method.

The study was published in Journal of Dental Hygiene.

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