You might never have to feel guilty for not flossing again.
New reports show that flossing could be an utterly pointless exercise.
An Associated Press (AP) investigation uncovered that the evidence for flossing is “weak, very unreliable,” of “very low” quality, and carries “a moderate to large potential for bias”.
After admitting in a letter to the AP investigation that the ‘effectiveness of flossing had never been researched’ the United States government has removed its recommendation for a daily flossing routine in its dietary guidelines.
Flossing has been recommended since 1908 to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Flossing might not be sexy but it is big business and the global market is predicted to reach $2 billion dollars by next year.
Perhaps unsurprisingly Time.com reported that the studies into the effectiveness of flossing have been both designed and funded by companies which produce dental floss.
The Irish dental association still advises that, ‘it is important flossing is carried out correctly, and regularly, at least once a day’. Whether they change their recommendation remains to be seen.
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