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Time to toss the floss
[Quote]:
“Flossing is almost completely useless, it doesn’t stop tooth decay,” he says, adding that he has “slides of bacteria waving as the floss goes past.”
On the other hand, he, like so many at the forefront of preventive dentistry, “would advise people to use xylitol. I have some xylitol mints in my desk drawer. If you look at the evidence it is overwhelming that xylitol works.”
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Bullshit. 1) Xylitol’s benefits regarding tooth decay are only because it is not converted to acids which is what promotes tooth decay. 2) Flossing removes residual food stuffs and in so doing prevents it from decaying in place and creating acids that cause tooth decay. 3) Large quantities of Xylitol (~40g has negative side affects)
Actually, one theory of the benefit of xylitol is that bacteria in your mouth absorb it thinking it is sugar they can use, but as it turns out to be non-caloric, the bacteria starve.
If you read the article, you’ll see there are a variety of claims about clinical studies showing the lack of benefit from flossing, and substantial benefit from using mouth cleansers like Listerine. Maybe you can link to some articles that summarize studies to the contrary?
I’m not about to stop flossing; it seems pretty clear that flossing removes nasty stuff from your mouth.
Not so much to the contrary regarding Xylitol – as stated, it is not converted to acids. My BS comment is the implication that it eliminates the need to floss, which it does not.
Wikipedia suggests that there are two theories of benefit from xylitol: starving harmful bacteria, and keeping saliva at a higher pH which aids deposition of minerals into tooth enamel. Both may contribute.
Nowadays, Doctors and Dentists just tell you what make the most profit for them. Still pushing snake oil.
Many people are still on the fence about xylitol. I swear by it though, if you find a brand that makes it from trees rather than corn. Has more benefits than just for cavities, it’s safe for diabetics (which is a HUGE plus for me) I agree though flossing is still a must!!
adopting a diet which includes fermented foods aids in preventing tooth decay and keeping teeth white.. So keep flossing and get a healthier diet. Including fermented foods in your diet does so much more than this! see http://www.mercola.com I’ll keep flossing all the same!
Wikipedia: “Mercola criticizes many aspects of standard medical practice, particularly vaccination and the use of prescription drugs and surgery to treat diseases.” Wrong guy for this crowd, I think.
@Desiato: On the contrary, just the kind of fellow we love to talk about!
@Sue: Touché!