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Does flossing really have a good oral hygiene benefit?
That regular brushing is important to prevent dental problems, is undisputed. However, experts are not in agreement on whether dental hygiene should be part of a sensible dental care. An expert explains if and how dental floss has a benefit for dental hygiene.
Use of dental floss has long been recommended
Regular brushing is the best way to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and toothache. Effective oral hygiene, however, means more than just brushing. According to experts, one should also clean the interdental spaces once a day, for example with dental floss or interdental brushes.
For a long time, dentists have recommended the regular use of dental floss for better oral hygiene. Whether the remedy can also prevent tooth decay, however, is not very clear. (Picture: WavebreakMediaMicro / fotolia.com) Different theories about proper dental care
However, different theories circulate about the correct tooth cleaning and dental care. The question of whether flossing really needs, is not unique. For example, the US Department of Health recently withdrew its recommendation to use dental floss to prevent tooth decay. The benefits of dental floss have therefore not been proven in several studies.
With tight interdental spaces still the best solution
German experts have no common opinion on the subject. According to a current position of the Federal Dental Association: "In everyday practice it is obvious that flossing is a useful tool for cleaning the interdental spaces." According to the experts, flossing remains "the best solution" even if there are tight spaces to remove deposits.
Low effects under everyday conditions
Professor However, Nadine Schlüter, research professor for caries research at the Department of Dentistry and Periodontics of the Freiburg University Hospital, explains in a statement from the university: "In fact, at first glance, it seems that the effects are rather small when you use your interdental spaces at home under everyday conditions Floss cleans. "
Helpful with gingivitis
Tooth brushing alone is not enough to effectively clean interdental spaces, which is why dentists recommend additional professional aids to clear gaps between leftovers and plaque. But: "A real effect, which acts caries-preventive, could only be shown in studies so far, when a professional expert cleans the spaces with dental floss," said Professor Schlüter.
However, according to the communication, it has been shown in studies that flossing in conjunction with toothbrush cleaning improves the prevention and healing of so-called gingivitis (gingivitis). The study participants who brushed only with the brush did not achieve as good results as participants who also used an interdental cleaning aid.
So far there are no observational studies
"However, the reduction in gingivitis due to the regular use of dental floss as a therapy is not yet scientifically proven," says the expert. "But that's probably because there is a lack of observational studies on the correct use of dental floss."
It is unclear whether the application itself has no effect or whether it is simply not done correctly. "In the latter case, we would have to rethink our instruction strategies," emphasizes the physician.
Advice on individualized oral hygiene
What can an extra interdental cleaning look like? "The cleaning of interstices with dental floss or so-called interdental brushes is biologically self-explanatory." The small interdental brushes can be inserted into the interdental spaces and removed by removing the right food scraps and plaque. "What's important, however, is that it's best for patients to be shown individually by their dentist how cleaning with these aids works," says Professor Schlüter.
The expert summarizes: "To not use dental floss and space brushes is certainly the wrong way to go. It would be better to address the dentist for proper care for oral and interstitial hygiene. So he can give advice on individualized oral hygiene, which also has an effect. "(Ad)