Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines • Hacker News Board

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#21

Post by throwaway41597 » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 8:41 AM UTC

fredsted wrote: post #13

cLeEOGPw wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I don't have gaps in my teeth to get the floss in. Same here. Never understood how people can physically floss. Maybe those with undeveloped teeth can do it, others, I don't see how it's even possible.

I use one of these: http://imgur.com/8A3dopG For some teeth, I have to force it a little, my teeth are pretty close too. Its so worth it though: much better breath, clean feel, minimized risk of cavities.

I avoided purchasing one by forming a loop with the wire. I cut a 20cm (8in) piece, then I tie a triple knot (the simple over hand knot with both ends). The wire is very slippery so I move the first knot as close to the ends as possible, so as not to waste floss.

Having a loop allows to have a firm hold on the floss and adjust tension. I use it with both hands though. And I waste very little floss because I can rotate the loop and use every inch of it.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#22

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 8:41 AM UTC

fredsted wrote: post #13

cLeEOGPw wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I don't have gaps in my teeth to get the floss in. Same here. Never understood how people can physically floss. Maybe those with undeveloped teeth can do it, others, I don't see how it's even possible.

I use one of these: http://imgur.com/8A3dopG For some teeth, I have to force it a little, my teeth are pretty close too. Its so worth it though: much better breath, clean feel, minimized risk of cavities.

[deleted]

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#23

Post by mamadrood » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 8:43 AM UTC

pizza234 wrote: post #6

flukus wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've never flossed, I don't have gaps in my teeth to get the floss in. My first trip to the dentist in 25 years was a few weeks ago and my teeth were perfect except for a wisdom tooth and the damage it caused. So i'm kind of skeptical of the effect. Edit - I always wonder what kind of toothbrush other people use. I've always used electric ones so I wonder if that helps.

Anecdote is not evidence. A few people are certainly "gifted" teeth-wise (I know another case), but not going to the dentist for 25 years would be disastrous if applied on large scale.

I've never been to the dentist and i am perfectly fine. I'm getting tired of soup, though.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#24

Post by throwaway41597 » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 8:52 AM UTC

flukus wrote: post #3

adrianN wrote: post #2

I wonder why they don't fund proper studies. Maybe because the effect is too obvious to question? My oral hygienist can tell whether I floss regularly or not, so there must be an observable difference in plaque buildup. Subjectively my gums also feel better and bleed less when I floss regularly.

I've never flossed, I don't have gaps in my teeth to get the floss in. My first trip to the dentist in 25 years was a few weeks ago and my teeth were perfect except for a wisdom tooth and the damage it caused. So i'm kind of skeptical of the effect. Edit - I always wonder what kind of toothbrush other people use. I've always used electric ones so I wonder if that helps.

If it works for you, then no need to change it. For me, it depends on which tooth I'm flossing. Some are easier than others. Some are so tight that floss won't come out, it feels like I'm pulling a tooth out. For this reason, I don't floss often and not every tooth. I use toothpicks though.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#25

Post by xlxlxlx » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 8:56 AM UTC

_0w8t wrote: post #12

From what I read and from personal experience it is a diet that has strongest effects on tooth health, not the the way to toothbrush or floss. For example, in Europe tooth health became much bigger problem after crusades when knights brought various dessert recipes from Lebanon and Syria.

This would be my guess too. I've never had a cavity in my life, which I'm sure is partially genetic, but I don't floss and brush only once a day in the morning. I haven't been to a dentist in ~6 years. My diet is very clean though -- no soda, candy, or really anything else high in sugar other than fruit. I eat a lot of raw vegetables too, which I think clean my teeth as I chew.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#26

Post by gotofritz » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 9:03 AM UTC

_0w8t wrote: post #12

From what I read and from personal experience it is a diet that has strongest effects on tooth health, not the the way to toothbrush or floss. For example, in Europe tooth health became much bigger problem after crusades when knights brought various dessert recipes from Lebanon and Syria.

It may well be, but since sugar is an integral part of modern diets that doesn't help us much.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#27

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 9:03 AM UTC

_0w8t wrote: post #12

From what I read and from personal experience it is a diet that has strongest effects on tooth health, not the the way to toothbrush or floss. For example, in Europe tooth health became much bigger problem after crusades when knights brought various dessert recipes from Lebanon and Syria.

[deleted]

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#28

Post by gotofritz » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 9:05 AM UTC

I used to floss more or less regularly and had constant gum problems. I then switched to interdental brushes, same frequency of use, and my gum problems have since disappeared.

So in my case _something_ was needed for the gum's health, but flossing itself proved to be useless.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#29

Post by Legogris » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 9:15 AM UTC

gotofritz wrote: post #26

_0w8t wrote: post #12

From what I read and from personal experience it is a diet that has strongest effects on tooth health, not the the way to toothbrush or floss. For example, in Europe tooth health became much bigger problem after crusades when knights brought various dessert recipes from Lebanon and Syria.

It may well be, but since sugar is an integral part of modern diets that doesn't help us much.

Once you get started, a diet free from refined sugar is not at all as difficult to maintain as you might think.

Re: Federal health expert drop flossing from health guidelines

#30

Post by chebum » Wed, Aug 03, 2016, 9:15 AM UTC

gotofritz wrote: post #28

I used to floss more or less regularly and had constant gum problems. I then switched to interdental brushes, same frequency of use, and my gum problems have since disappeared. So in my case _something_ was needed for the gum's health, but flossing itself proved to be useless.

I use both depending on inter-teeth space. There are different techniques of flossing and different floss types. So, trying different may solve the problem with flossing itself. For those who cannot use interdental brushes. Some doctors suggest moving the floss up and down along the teeth. Others to put it inside teeth and the pull to the side. I found the second more convenient and less traumatic at the same time. But you need a wider floss to make it work. Try different. Me and my wife use different: one brand works better for her, but is too narrow for me. Experiment. I had chronic inflammation since school. Flossing completely solved the problem in a month or two.