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What Made me stand up at the Dentist Today

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posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 05:12 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

I read all the replies.... first and foremost ,read some other surveys and find another dentist ! I found the hard way it's always best to floss often at a young age (while you still have teeth ) to prevent teeth being pulled and numerous expensive crowns. Floss til you can't floss no more ! At 76 I learned the hard way......didn't floss much til I had major problems.........FLOSS !



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 05:42 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

If we take a step back and look at this.

There have never been large studies proving that flossing works, not a single one.
The one smaller study they did, said there was no benefit.

When I think about flossing what he said to me makes perfect sense.
You are taking the thread and jamming it in between the teeth, but you start from the bottom and go up.
You are probably jamming food particles, bacteria right into your gums or at the gum level. Even if done gently
The actual motion of flossing does this and in an upward motion.

He’s not saying don’t brush or clean between your teeth, he is saying flossing isn’t what he recommends. Brushing and water pics are.
The water pic will force water in from a top down direction. BTW for those curious, he wasn’t selling me a machine either, he said I could get one from Amazon or costco etc. He recommended a water pic, with water and peroxide. He said mouthwash is terrible because it kills all the bacteria in your mouth, even the good bacteria. I’ve read about this already and know it’s true. This is why it was so effective against Covid.

There is no way I would switch dentists. I actually drive a good ways just to see him. I take exceptional care of my teeth, always have, and know a good dentist from a bad one. A good one will tell you the truth even if it is not popular. A good dentist is willing to say, yes that is how thing have always been done but now it’s time to change. I myself was shocked, but now thinking about it and reading about it, I actually believe it.

I was mad when he told me because like I said, I’m an avid flosser and thought I was doing something good.
This shows how even small things are so ingrained into us. He explained in a clear manner and the hygienist also chimed in.
I said we’ve been told this for so long.

Look at the countries with the LOWEST cavities in the world. Developing countries that probably don’t even know what floss is! Of course diet plays the most important role, no sugars or bad carbs in some of these places.

smile-365.com...




edit on 15-12-2022 by JAGStorm because: (no reason given)



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 05:52 PM
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I think flossing is a scam, but what do I know.
I have begun to use an irrigator, water pik kind of thing. That and oral probiotics have done wonders for oral health and fewer cavities.
IMHO.
And as a kid, no one in the dentist's office flossed. This was prior to 1979. Here's a 2016 article, and I believe this
A big problem with flossing

Here's an article from 2019
www.boston25news.com...

But a new study suggests certain types of floss and other behaviors may actually increase the amount of toxic chemicals in the body....

The research, published this week in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, comes from the Silent Spring Institute in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley's Public Health Institute. For the study, scientists examined the blood samples of 178 California-based middle-aged women and measured 11 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) chemicals previously linked to a various health implications, from testicular cancer and thyroid disease to decreased fertility and high cholesterol.

The findings
According to the study, women who flossed with a particular dental floss — Oral-B Glide — had higher levels of the PFAS perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) compared to women who did not. The National Institutes of Health notes PFHxS has been previously linked to high cholesterol and altered thyroid function.


Then this from CNN, 2021
Flossing your teeth may protect against cognitive decline

I dunno, seems like regular living: showering, dusting, reading, shopping also protects against cognitive decline. But flossing?????



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 05:57 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

On the conspiracy side of things.

How many of us are over 40 years old?

Ok what do you remember from Childhood and dental care?

Mercury dental fillings
Taking red fluoride pills at SCHOOL! I remember standing in a line and our teacher would give us a pill and we would go to the water fountain.
Fluoride use itself is steeped in conspiracy
Brushing after every meal and flossing.

EVERY single one of those things have been questioned, every single one.
Mercury - well that one is self explanatory
Fluoride supplements were quietly swept away
Fluoride is an ongoing debate, I’ve read extensively about both side. My personal opinion is that it is good while forming in the womb, after birth… questionable.
Brushing after every meal and flossing is questionable. Now they are saying brushing right after could harm your enamel and you should wait half hour to an hour.

And of course our topic today, Flossing!

www.cuimc.columbia.edu...



Brushing immediately after meals? You may want to wait.


edit on 15-12-2022 by JAGStorm because: (no reason given)



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 06:37 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

I'm kinda glad to see this (will look up research) because I'm the kind who always intends to floss and then forgets.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 06:48 PM
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literally the only people who floss are Americans (flo$$ cartel).
I'm English, we know about handsome teeth.

edit on 15-12-2022 by ctccta787 because: (no reason given)



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 07:12 PM
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originally posted by: ctccta787
literally the only people who floss are Americans (flo$$ cartel).
I'm English, we know about handsome teeth.


I noticed Brits went from no dental care and no sun to the polar opposite, fake looking teeth and the most God awful looking fake tans.

Y’all are seriously going through your America 1999 phase!



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 07:19 PM
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its true , and we still listen to Britney.
strategic placement for the overtake.
watch out.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 07:24 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

This is a hard pill to swallow. Flossing removes the water repelling plaque that doesn't come off through brushing alone. Quitting flossing seems like a bad idea. Maybe the water pick is better than flossing, I don't know. Tha plaque needs to be removed somehow.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 07:31 PM
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originally posted by: InwardDiver
a reply to: JAGStorm

This is a hard pill to swallow. Flossing removes the water repelling plaque that doesn't come off through brushing alone. Quitting flossing seems like a bad idea. Maybe the water pick is better than flossing, I don't know. Tha plaque needs to be removed somehow.


Well I’m going to be the test.

I have hardly any plaque, I’ve gone to dental cleanings and they have asked if I already had my teeth cleaned.
Like I said, I take extraordinary care of my teeth.

So when I go to my next cleaning we’ll see if there is any difference at all.

Here is a little snippet I found:
Here


You may become frustrated searching for the answer to this question online. Scientific research shows that oral irrigation, such as the Waterpik, is superior to string floss in reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, most dentists continue to recommend flossing before or after using a Waterpik.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 07:39 PM
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a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

Interesting information. Your sources give me pause for thought.

It's hard to convince me flossing is bad, though. A long time ago, I let my dental health go and ended up with early periodontal disease. Treatment began with root planing and deep cleanings. Afterwards, regular brushing and flossing my teeth before brushing at night, along with intermittent use of Act mouthwash really turned my dental health around.

There have been a few times I've skipped out on flossing for extended periods of time and each time gum inflammation came back.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 08:15 PM
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You didn't put this in your excerpt from the Harvard Medical link :


it may be easy to prove that, in fact, flossing is good for your oral health, and I would not be surprised if it turned out to be good for you in other ways, since gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.


I would stick to flossing or water pik until flossing is proven otherwise .



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 08:20 PM
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a reply to: JAGStorm

Not floss after Corn On The Cob, after chewing on a good Pork Chop Bone? etc etc etc.
I don’t think this new idea is gonna work for me.

Just sayin….



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 08:35 PM
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originally posted by: KKLOCO
a reply to: JAGStorm

That is interesting.

I’m 43 and have probably flossed maybe 20 times in my life. Not one single cavity or any dental work beyond cleanings in my entire life. Bought a water pick about 2 years ago and haven’t used it once either.


I’m a similar age, floss extremely infrequently, and just had my first “professional” cleaning in 5 years.

No cavities, no issues, and almost nothing to clean off. They were shocked.



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 09:20 PM
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funny, i went to the dentist today after a 5 year lapse. She asked if i floss. I lied and said yes. She said that is why i have no cavities and hardly any tartar. In reality i only floss when i get stuff stuck in my teeth. Probably once a month. But i do brush good.
a reply to: JAGStorm



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 09:47 PM
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originally posted by: JAGStorm
Everyone’s favorite place, the good ol’ dentist office.

I was told something today that made my jaw drop and I was seething mad.

I was told to stop, YES, STOP flossing! FLOSSING
FLOSSING FLOSSING FLOSSING

You know that little thing that dentist and hygienist have been nagging us to do for oh, at least the last 50 years.
We were even told flossing could help prevent heart disease. Is everything a LIE?

So he tells me new research is showing that flossing might do more harm than good by shoving bacteria and germs further into the gums, then bone/teeth. He said ditch the mouthwash too. Research is saying that we need the good bacteria in our mouth, and there is a microbiome connection.

Water picks are OK.

PS. I’m a person that flosses minimum three times a day so this is going to be a fun habit to break!


My dentist said the best thing you can do is to get a water pik - better than flossing. And it is. I bought one and does so much more than flossing. I dont even need to floss anymore because of the attachment that come with it.

I just think technology has allowed us to advance from string to pressured water.

Water pik (I got the brand too) is awesome - can change your entire teeth color and get things flossing never will!
edit on 2022 by shaemac because: (no reason given)



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 09:55 PM
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originally posted by: JAGStorm

originally posted by: KKLOCO
a reply to: JAGStorm

That is interesting.

I’m 43 and have probably flossed maybe 20 times in my life. Not one single cavity or any dental work beyond cleanings in my entire life. Bought a water pick about 2 years ago and haven’t used it once either.


20 times, do you not get food stuck in your teeth?


Absolutely! I do the swish swash method. I’d post pics but UUUMMM…. Anonymity and all,…..,..?



posted on Dec, 15 2022 @ 11:10 PM
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originally posted by: KKLOCO
a reply to: JAGStorm

That is interesting.

I’m 43 and have probably flossed maybe 20 times in my life. Not one single cavity or any dental work beyond cleanings in my entire life. Bought a water pick about 2 years ago and haven’t used it once either.


I'm about ten years older and about the same. I never floss unless I got something stuck between my teeth and it's driving me nuts. I have one filling where I bit down on a fork and cracked my molar. I've gone to a dentist only a handful of times in my adult life and, other than the cracked tooth, only got cleanings.

My dad was a dentist too.


Editing to add... I think a lot of it's genetic. I have one brother whose teeth are great, other than hockey accident stuff. The other brother has soft, rotten teeth that give him problems. We were all raised the same. Both my brothers are health care conscious and floss. I just can never remember to, so now I don't feel so guilty.


edit on 15-12-2022 by igloo because: (no reason given)



posted on Dec, 16 2022 @ 08:18 AM
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Those water jet flossers could be a good alternative?



posted on Dec, 17 2022 @ 04:44 PM
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I've been following ATS for over 15 years now, but have not been active. I have some old posts, but can't find the posts or my login info, so have created a new account. But anyways, as an endodontist myself, I felt like it was my responsibility to respond on this topic.

Flossing is absolutely crucial to removal of interproximal plaque that builds up between the teeth, under the contacts. Brushing cannot get in this area well enough, and the Water Pik cannot remove the plaque here either. It must be mechanically removed. This plaque is responsible for cavities that start between the teeth, which a lot of times are not caught until they are large enough to be seen from the front, the enamel collapses from above due to being undermined by the decay, or the teeth become symptomatic (usually sensitive to temperature extremes and sweets). I've seen many patient's for root canal therapy where the cavities are only visible radiographically, but are clearly deep enough that they have extended into the pulp (nerve and vasculature inside the teeth), necessitating root canal therapy. These cavities can form and progress quickly, within 6 months, so that they may not have been present at your last check-up. If you have crowns or interproximal restorations in your mouth, flossing is even more crucial, as plaque can more easily build up at the margins where these restorations meet the tooth surface.

Food removal is a secondary benefit to flossing, as plaque removal is the most important. If you get food caught between your teeth, especially foods rich in carbohydrates, this will be a constant food source for the plaque (bacteria). When the bacteria eat sugars, they release acid as a byproduct, which demineralizes the enamel and eventually leads to a cavity and bacterial infiltration into the tooth. Once through the enamel and into the dentin (internal toot structure), the bacteria travel trough tubules that lead straight to the pulp, eating away at the tooth structure on the way there. If you don't floss and haven't gotten cavities, it's probably because you have a good diet, and do not eat a lot of sugars. Good salivary flow also helps, and of course brushing effectively (morning and before bed) will be beneficial as well. There appears to be a genetic effect as well, but the thought that you have "soft teeth" is false unless you have a rare genetic disorder causing you enamel to not form properly. Some people have more aggressive bacteria in their mouths, which can cause cavities quicker, or periodontal disease (bone loss).

When flossing, a lot of people will go straight up and down between the teeth, but you actually want to scrub the sides of the teeth, as this is where the plaque resides. Food will also be removed as a secondary benefit. I recommend flossing at least nightly, after brushing, so that the majority of food is removed prior to flossing, and whatever is leftover can be removed with the floss. Nothing but water after this so no food or sugars are in your mouth while you sleep. Sleeping with food between the teeth will create an environment of constant demineralization, as the pH will be lowered due to the acid released by the bacteria.

You do not want to press the floss down deep into you gums, because you can pack food in there, resulting in gingival inflammation. Since plaque removal is the goal, there is no reason to try and go deep. Also, do not move the floss from one tooth to the next without coming back up from between the contacts, as this will cut through the triangular gingival papilla between the teeth, and cause bleeding, inflammation, and potential spaces (black triangles) between the teeth. I like to use Twin Line Floss Picks when I floss, which are the little Y-shaped flossers, but with two lines of floss across. This allows better plaque removal and food capture between the two lines of floss. Just rinse it off every few teeth, or when food and/or plaque is visible between the floss.

The only reason I can think of for why your dentist would tell you to stop flossing is because he misinterpreted a study, or wants you to get more cavities so he has more work to do. Sounds the last option is unlikely from what you say, but who knows. Some of the most popular and successful dentist are actually the worst clinically, and only become popular because they have friendly and trusting personalities, and have a good "used car salesman" act. Flossing has been recommended for decades based on a lot of research, and the microbiological processes occurring in the mouth should create a logical and common sense explanation for why it is important.

And as far as mouthwash, it's true that they are mostly useless, and can actually make your breath smell worse if they contain alcohol, since this dries the mouth out. Prescription mouthwashes, when needed, are effective and highly antibacterial, using an ingredient called chlorhexidine. This is effective for those with high cavity rates or periodontitis. When using this, flossing is very important, as areas with consistent plaque build-up will become darkly discolored from the chlorhexidine. If you want a mouthwash to use in the mornings for bad breath, use one that contains chlorine dioxide, which neutralizes the sulfur creating bacteria. One that I use is TheraBreath Fresh Breath formula.

Hope this all helps understand the subject better, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.




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