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To Floss or Not To Floss?!


I was helping an 87-year-old grandmother with her health issues. She complained that her gums get infected often and bleed. Her dentist had referred her to a specialist for extensive gum surgery. She told me that every time she flossed her teeth, her gums bled a lot.



My research has shown that there is no scientific evidence that flossing can prevent cavities or gum disease. In fact, in her case, I believe that it was causing small tears in her gums that allowed the bacteria from her mouth to enter her gums and cause swelling and bleeding.



I advised her to stop flossing immediately and use hydrogen peroxide solution (one part hydrogen peroxide, 2 parts water) and swish it in her mouth for 1-2 minutes then rinse her mouth thoroughly with water. I asked her to do this after each meal and before sleep.



She noticed a significant improvement in the swelling and bleeding of her gums within 48 hours and a full recovery in two weeks. And she avoided major gum surgery. Now how cool is that!



To Floss or Not To Floss!



A few years ago, I heard an interview with an Associated Press reporter who, based on a tip from his dentist, had researched the science behind flossing and found there was practically none. After I looked into it myself, I discovered that was indeed the case.



According to the National Institutes of Health Newsletter and Harvard Medical School’s Health Blog, “while the importance of flossing may have been widely accepted, the evidence supporting it turns out to be surprisingly thin.” However, even those who know about the lack of solid scientific evidence, insist that it is good practice to floss our teeth daily. 



Once I discovered this, I reduced flossing my teeth to a few times a week, instead of every night. Eventually, when I came across the work of Ellie Phillips, DDS (more on Dr. Phillips later), I completely stopped flossing my teeth. And guess what? All my checkups have been great so far.



Serious Concern!



The main concern I have is that flossing may cause small tears in the gums that allow the bacteria to enter the gum tissue and possibly cause swelling, bleeding, and pain. Also, the bacteria from our mouths may enter the bloodstream through these small tears and cause other health issues.


According to CBS News, “Floss can occasionally cause harm. Careless flossing can damage gums, teeth and dental work. Though frequency is unclear, floss can dislodge bad bacteria that invade the bloodstream and cause dangerous infections, especially in people with weak immunity, according to the medical literature.”





Do I ever floss my teeth? Only when something is stuck between my teeth, otherwise no.



For an effective way to achieve good oral health, Dr. Ellie Phillips has developed a very effective home care system, which does not include flossing. For more information about Dr. Phillips, please see my blog post about her books and work.





Stay informed. Stay well

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