Sensationalist coverage of a study that sparked the flossing controversy has misled us all, say European dental experts.
And now the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) wants us to know that cleaning between our teeth is essential to our gum health.
The EFP is slamming newspapers and news websites that, they claim, focused on sensationalism or, at best, a ‘good story’ in a bid to stir reaction to the news that an investigation found evidence for flossing ‘weak, very unreliable’ and of ‘very low quality’.
The EFP claims media coverage largely focused on the headline-grabbing angle and, in so doing, various so-called experts – with varying degrees of knowledge and expertise – have expressed differing views, which has created confusion for patients, the public and – indeed – even the dentists themselves!
The EFP held an international workshop in Spain in November of 2014 where nearly 90 experts from across the globe considered the evidence for the role of interdental cleaning (cleaning between the teeth) as developed in a comprehensive meta-review (a review of systematic reviews, which represents the highest level of evidence from randomised controlled trials).
The say: ‘There were limitations in the knowledge base, and it is important to recognise that a lack of evidence is not necessarily the same as evidence of a lack of efficacy. It is, however, clear that cleaning between the teeth on a daily basis is essential to maintain gum health.’
The debate focused on the best method of interdental cleaning to reduce gingivitis and plaque levels between teeth when used in addition to normal mechanical tooth brushing.
They explain: ‘This is a different issue from measuring efficacy in preventing the development of gingivitis over time. There was a moderate evidence base that supported the use of interdental brushes as being effective in removing plaque from between the teeth, and they are recommended as the method of choice where spaces between teeth allow their insertion without causing trauma.’
However, large studies that measure the efficacy of plaque removal on a ‘group’ basis failed to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal between teeth and in reducing gingival (gum) inflammation.
This is largely because patients find flossing difficult to perform and it is frequently performed incorrectly. This does not, however, mean that individuals who can floss correctly will not benefit from doing so.The consensus also identified that where spaces between teeth were too tight for interdental brushes to be inserted safely, the professional recommendation was that ‘the use of floss may have a role to play in this situation’.
However, for all interdental cleaning methods it is essential that professional instruction is given in order to achieve optimal effectiveness and to avoid trauma.
Leading smile makeover dentist and comparethetreatment.com expert Rahul Doshi says he will continue to recommend flossing in order to maintain good oral health. Dr Doshi explains: ‘Plaque is the cause of gum disease and potential bone loss and tooth loss and a toothbrush alone cannot clean plaque between teeth, which means floss is the idea aid to achieve this. Interdental cleaning is important and, for those of us who find it just too awkward, there are alternatives such as flossettes, interdental brushes and the Philips Sonicare AirFloss Pro. Ask Dr Rahul Doshi a question >
