tooth brushing vs. floss

[tennik]

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In a brief lecture last year by an English Dentist my class was told that brushing is no more effective than flossing is (if the patient gets fluoride supplements). The lecturer also said there are good studies to back up this claim. I have searched for these studie to no evail. Is this true? Do you know any studies that refute or back-up this claim?

thanks

 

[kenniemd]

In a brief lecture last year by an English Dentist my class was told that brushing is no more effective than flossing is (if the patient gets fluoride supplements). The lecturer also said there are good studies to back up this claim. I have searched for these studie to no evail. Is this true? Do you know any studies that refute or back-up this claim?

thanks

Taking advice from an Englishman about teeth is the equivalent of ..............

(no punchline needed)

 

[tennik]

Does anyone know any studies showing the effectiveness of flossing/brushing?

 

[tinker bell]

Since most caries occur in the interproximal spaces. It's more effective to floss, as you can't brush at those places. However, I still think that you also have to brush the occlusal, around the gum line in the facial/lingual sites. The best think to do is both brushing, flossing, then rinse with fluoride rinse.

 

[KY2007]

That article is a little tricky. It is only correct b/c a tootbrush can only reach around 50% of the tooth structure (average from all teeth, so don't just think of molars). However, the parts that the toothbrush can reach it does a better job. If you don't believe me then try flossing the buccal or lingual surfaces of a tooth.

 

[Sprgrover]

Taking advice from an Englishman about teeth is the equivalent of ..............

(no punchline needed)

(Hehe) True, true.

 

[tennik]

I agree, each has its function (floss, rinse, brush). I am wondering about data to compare these. What is the article you are referring to?

 

[trypmo]

That article is a little tricky. It is only correct b/c a tootbrush can only reach around 50% of the tooth structure (average from all teeth, so don't just think of molars). However, the parts that the toothbrush can reach it does a better job. If you don't believe me then try flossing the buccal or lingual surfaces of a tooth.

I'm so geeky I actually tried that once. 😳

 

[Chickenflylikebirds]

Adults usually brush and floss but not in the same time
We bought a waterflosser and it did not really work so toothbrushing and floss is better
So I don’t no how to chose?

 

[DrJeff]

The bacteria, and it's sticky outer membrane that causes decay needs to be MECHANICALLY removed from the one's tooth surface. A tooth brush, regardless of what kind one uses, CAN'T reach all the surfaces of one's teeth, unless that person has no interproximal contacts in their entire mouth. Floss will reach the areas of the tooth surface that a brush can't. Both are needed.

Or as I like to tell my patients.... "Only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep... Only brush and floss on days that end in 'Y!' "

 

[Chickenflylikebirds]

Thank you Dr Jeff