Essentially, we don’t know which hygiene procedure should be done first, nor for that matter, whether flossing has any preventive effect on dental decay. Read this quick review by the New York Times about the limited evidence to support flossing.
So why do we recommend it, and even gently nag our patients about flossing? There is some evidence it has benefits in controlling gingivitis (and in turn periodontal disease).
Plaque on the tooth surface is remarkably stable despite brushing and flossing. Individuals who regularly brush their teeth have 40% to 60% of their tooth surfaces covered with plaque. (Wilson M, Microbial Inhabitants of Humans, 2005). (The following image is the bristle of a toothbrush after use — note the bacterial strands!)
So brush and then floss for sure (or is that the other way around)? The key point is that when you get dental decay, or have several risk factors which cause this common disease, your plaque is out of balance (called dysbiosis) or getting out of adjustment. An imbalanced biofilm is associated with all sorts of other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, cancer, bacterial vaginosis, and colitis.
What can re-set the oral biofilm to a balanced state? Controlled studies show that Prevora can.
For more, please visit: http://partnersinprevention.ca/floss-or-brush-first/
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – www.partnersinprevention.ca
