Flossing, remoaning and remania – dentistry in denial

It is uncomfortable to be asked to face up to a reality which does not agree with our long established beliefs. In the past the powers that be just ‘knew’ that the sun went round the earth (which was, of course flat). Heretics were denounced, dismissed and even martyred for challenging dogma with evidence. But that couldn't happen today; could it?

Just as we are daily being told by the wise and totally informed 48% that the ignorant, misled 52% of the UK population should all be allowed to take a re-sit in plebiscites; so the internet is replete with those who ‘know’ that the recent AP report highlighting the ineffectiveness of flossing is obviously wrong; it's just the useless patients who can't master it! The lay press has merely noticed that ‘Dental Heretics’ have dared to question the benefits of flossing; how can they say such a thing?

The problem is we have known about flossing for almost a decade. Berchier et al,¹ after reviewing more than 1350 papers, found that these overall ‘…did not show a benefit for floss on plaque and clinical parameters of gingivitis’ and concluded that ‘….. a routine instruction to use floss is not supported by scientific evidence’. In relation to caries reduction, Hujoel et al,² in another systematic review (in the dental journal with one of the highest impact factors), found no reduction in interproximal caries when comparing patients who flossed and those who did not. There was, however, a significant reduction in high risk children when they received daily professional flossing. Reassuring, if only by bringing closer together dental professionals married to each other! If it doesn't prevent gingivitis or caries what is it for?