Dental Health Shocker! No Evidence Flossing Works

In a stunning reversal, the federal government dropped the flossing recommendation from its latest dietary guidelines because there isn't proof the practice improves dental health.

For nearly 40 years, the government has been recommending flossing.  However, the dietary guidelines must be based on scientific evidence. 

As it turns out, the evidence doesn't exist.

The Associated Press asked both the departments of Health and Human Services as well as the Agriculture for proof that flossing works.  

When the federal government issued its latest guidelines this year, the flossing recommendation had been removed, without notice.  In a letter to the AP, the government acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required. 

Studies showing it's healthier to brush and floss compared to just brushing, are "weak" and "very unreliable."

Despite the lack of hard evidence of its effectiveness, dental health professionals are still recommending flossing.

National Institutes of Health dentist Tim Iafolla indicated the studies that failed to prove the effectiveness were flawed studies. But that doesn't mean flossing is a waste of time.  He says Americans should still floss.

"It's low risk, low cost," he said. "We know there's a possibility that it works, so we feel comfortable telling people to go ahead and do it."