It's one of the most universal recommendations in all of public health: Floss daily to prevent gum disease and cavities. Except there's little proof that flossing works.
Still, the federal government, dental organizations and manufacturers of floss have pushed the practice for decades. Dentists provide samples to their patients; the American Dental Association
insists on its website that flossing "is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums."
When the federal government issued its latest dietary guidelines, the flossing recommendation had been removed, without notice. The government acknowledged the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched, as required.
What else is not required? Looking forward.
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