Скачать или смотреть BBC Breakfast Dr Angela Ly talks about flossing - should we still do it?

Dr Angela Ly from Your Clinic Manchester discusses whether it is still worth flossing as there is no scientific evidence to support its use in preventing gum disease and cavities.

"I still believe flossing is important and will continue to routinely recommend this to my patients to help remove plaque from in between the teeth. Now for some people, interdental brushes may be more suitable. When you floss, you can see the plaque that has been removed, that is enough physical evidence for me to continue using it, and to continue recommending it. We all know that plaque if not removed can cause cavities and gum disease. It also stinks!! So it is worth doing just for personal hygiene reasons.

A lot of people also floss with the wrong technique, which will not remove the plaque effectively. And it is important to remember that flossing alone will not help, you need to have the correct toothbrushing technique and limit your frequency of sugary things in your diet.

So what do you all think? Do you floss - do you notice a difference when you stop flossing? I certainly do. Just because there is no strong scientific studies to support flossing does not mean it isn't beneficial. There are so many variables that can affect your gum health and cavities, that it is difficult to design a study that eliminates all other biases."

www.yoursmileclinic.co.uk