Floss or Toss?

Back in 2016, the Associated Press reported that flossing had never been scientifically proven to work through rigorous clinical trials. The headlines went everywhere. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: if flossing isn't proven, why are we doing it? Should we just ditch it?

I get this question all the time. Here's the real story.

The AP investigation found that the government's recommendation to floss daily wasn't backed by strong evidence from randomized controlled trials. That part was technically true. But it missed the bigger picture.

The thing is, the absence of rigorous clinical trials doesn't mean flossing doesn't work. It means funding for those trials has been limited. Floss is cheap, and no pharmaceutical company has an incentive to spend millions proving it works.

Here's what actually matters: the dental community hasn't ditched flossing. We've just gotten clearer about what it does and who benefits most.

Your toothbrush is great, but it has real limits. Bristles can't effectively clean the spaces between your teeth or below your gumline. Floss does. It removes plaque and food debris from the contact points and tight spaces where cavities and gum disease typically start. That's preventive maintenance for the surfaces your toothbrush misses.

Here's where nuance comes in. Not everyone needs floss equally. But most people do, especially if you've had cavities between your teeth or you're dealing with gum issues.

Flossing only works if you actually do it right. A lot of people floss occasionally or incorrectly, which is probably why some studies show minimal benefit. Here's how to actually do it:

Once daily is the recommendation. Ideally before bed so you're not eating after you clean. Some people prefer flossing before brushing, some after. Consistency matters more than timing.

String floss isn't your only option. If traditional floss is a hassle, these work just as well: water flossers, floss picks, interdental brushes. Pick whatever you'll actually use consistently. If water flossing means you'll clean between your teeth daily, then that's the right tool for you.

Gum disease affects millions of Canadians. It starts quietly with inflammation from plaque buildup and can progress to bleeding gums, tooth loss, and serious health problems. Flossing is your first line of defense, working alongside brushing and professional cleanings.

If you already have gum disease, flossing becomes even more critical. Combined with professional scaling and root planing, regular flossing can actually reverse early gum disease.

Don't toss the floss. The 2016 AP report raised valid questions about clinical evidence, but it didn't prove flossing doesn't work. It highlighted that we need better research, and the dental community agrees.

In the meantime, decades of clinical experience tells us that removing plaque from between your teeth prevents cavities and gum disease. For most people, flossing is a smart investment in long-term oral health.

I recommend flossing daily as part of a solid oral hygiene routine: brushing twice daily, regular dental visits, and a healthy diet. Together, these habits build the foundation for healthy smiles that last.

If you're not sure you're doing it right, or you want to talk through which flossing method works best for you, we're here. Let's get you set up.

Ready for a professional cleaning and checkup? Book your appointment today.