The Truth About Flossing | Flossing Cannot Get Rid of Plaque

Summary

A candid dentist recounts being escorted off a cardiology podium after challenging conventional wisdom about flossing. He explains that flossing alone doesn’t prevent long-term cavities or gum disease because sugars dissolve in saliva immediately, feeding plaque bacteria. Instead, he recommends a comprehensive mouth-care strategy—regular xylitol use, gentle mouth rinses, and targeted tools—to reduce plaque formation and inflammation without damaging tissues. He warns that aggressive flossing in diseased gums may push harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and argues that long-term prevention requires systemic habits, not just string floss. He also mentions a follow-up competition that validated his approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Flossing is a common practice to prevent cavities and gum disease, but its effectiveness is debated, especially as people age.
• 😀 Despite flossing, by the age of 65, 97% of people in America still experience issues like cavities, gum disease, and fillings.
• 😀 The primary issue with flossing is that it doesn't address the underlying cause of plaque buildup, which often results from sugar and carbohydrate consumption.
• 😀 Plaque bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth, which dissolve quickly into saliva, and flossing can't remove these sugars once they're dissolved.
• 😀 Flossing may displace plaque around the gums temporarily but does not stop plaque from reforming over time.
• 😀 The speaker suggests alternative methods, such as xylitol and mouth rinses, which can reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease more effectively in the long term.
• 😀 Xylitol, when used regularly, makes plaque slippery and feeds beneficial bacteria, preventing plaque from forming, unlike flossing which only offers a temporary solution.
• 😀 Mouth rinses can clean between teeth without damaging the delicate gum tissues and reduce the risk of pushing periodontal pathogens into the bloodstream.
• 😀 Using a complete oral care system, which includes xylitol, mouth rinses, and flossing toothbrushes, is recommended for long-term oral health.
• 😀 Flossing may still be useful in certain situations, such as removing stuck food, but it's not a solution to gum disease or cavity prevention on its own.
• 😀 Despite following conventional advice, many people still experience cavities because flossing doesn't address the root causes of oral health issues.
• 😀 The speaker has written a book, 'Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye,' which discusses these ideas in more depth, with a focus on the risks and limitations of flossing.

Q & A

Why did the dentist get pulled off the podium at the medical conference?

The dentist was pulled off the podium because she challenged conventional dental wisdom about flossing, arguing that it may not be as effective or beneficial as commonly believed, especially in preventing long-term oral disease.

What is the traditional reason people are told to floss?

People are told to floss to remove food particles, prevent cavities, and reduce gum inflammation or gingivitis by cleaning between the teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach.

According to the dentist, why doesn’t flossing prevent long-term dental issues?

She argues that despite regular flossing, most Americans still develop cavities and gum disease by age 65 because flossing doesn’t address the underlying cause—bacterial activity fueled by sugars and carbohydrates dissolved in saliva.

What analogy does the dentist use to explain why food stuck between teeth isn’t the main problem?

She compares it to dropping honey toast outdoors and seeing ants gather, explaining that in the mouth, most stuck food like meat or apple fibers takes 24–48 hours to break down and isn’t what primarily feeds plaque bacteria.

What actually feeds plaque bacteria according to the speaker?

Plaque bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates, which begin breaking down immediately in the mouth due to salivary enzymes like amylase that convert them into sugars dissolved in saliva.

Why does the dentist caution against flossing in cases of gum disease?

She warns that flossing in an infected mouth could push harmful periodontal bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing risks for systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

What alternative oral care methods does the dentist recommend instead of relying on flossing?

She recommends a complete mouth care system involving xylitol use, mouth rinsing, and specialized toothbrushes designed to remove plaque safely and effectively.

How does xylitol benefit oral health according to the speaker?

Xylitol helps make plaque slippery, feeds beneficial bacteria, and prevents harmful plaque bacteria from colonizing, providing a long-term protective effect against tooth decay and gum disease.

What does the dentist mean when she says, 'The more you floss, the more you will need to floss'?

She implies that over-reliance on flossing may create a cycle where gum irritation or bacterial imbalance persists, requiring continual flossing without addressing the root cause of plaque buildup.

What was the outcome of the dental health competition mentioned in the story?

In 2015, during a medical testing event at the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health conference in Dallas, the dentist who shared this story won the competition for having the healthiest teeth.

What book does the dentist reference for more detailed explanations of her ideas?

She references her book 'Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye,' which explains her approach to oral health, the role of xylitol, and why flossing might not be the ultimate solution to preventing dental problems.

What is the dentist’s broader message about oral health maintenance?

Her message is that effective oral health care should focus on preventing plaque formation through supportive, non-invasive methods rather than relying solely on mechanical cleaning techniques like flossing.