Wiregrass Seniors Magazine September 2016 1111

WiregrassSeniorsMagazine.com Hello Everyone, Page 7 Ask Dr. Gaunt “Your Hometown Dentist” In case you were wondering how highly respected and impactful this publication is that you are holding in your hands, let me tell you what happened right after last month's article on the benefit of flossing hit the world-wide press. I had no idea how controversial the subject of flossing was until the Associated Press countered my article, saying that there is "weak science" to back up the idea that flossing is beneficial in preventing tooth decay and gum disease! Dr. G, say it's not so!! Well, before you joyfully throw away the floss, let's take a closer look at what they are actually saying. With today's demand for evidence-based research to back up any claims of medical effectiveness, it is true that there really aren't any solid studies that prove that flossing prevents disease. In fact, it would be very difficult to perform an accurate, standardized long-term study on flossing since everyone's technique is different. Instead, it is through deductive reasoning that we should floss. We know for certain that gum disease is always preceded by gingivitis, which is caused by the accumulation of undisturbed (remember from last month?) plaque on the teeth. Since flossing removes plaque, then we should be able to conclude that flossing should at least help prevent gum disease and the bone and tooth loss that can result from the disease. The same rationale applies to tooth decay! That's my story and I'm sticking to it! My patients and readers can expect that I'm going to keep advising them to floss. To your Health and Happiness, Geoff Gaunt,DMD dothancosmeticdentistry.com 334-673-7440

Wiregrass Seniors Magazine September 2016 1111 | Page 7