Prompt Cast
The Truth About Dental Recommendations: Flossing, Brushing, and Preventing Cavities
TLDR Multiple studies have shown that flossing does not prevent cavities, but it can be beneficial for gum health and preventing gum disease. The most effective way to prevent cavities is by cutting down on sugar, and getting a second opinion can help prevent unnecessary dental treatments.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Headlines questioning the effectiveness of flossing have led to skepticism about dentists' advice, prompting Science Versus to investigate the trustworthiness of dental recommendations.
04:23
Brushing and flossing do not prevent cavities, according to multiple studies, despite dentists' claims that they do.
08:32
Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is highly effective in preventing cavities, while the act of brushing itself may be good for gums but does not directly prevent cavities, and other methods of getting fluoride onto your teeth are just as effective.
12:32
Flossing may not prevent cavities, but it can be good for your gums and help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
16:39
Flossing may have a positive effect on gingivitis, but the evidence is of low certainty due to small studies and inconsistent findings.
21:00
Seltzer and coffee may erode teeth, but the main driver of dental cavities is sugar.
24:57
Cutting down on sugar is the best way to prevent cavities, as studies have shown that restricting sucrose can prevent 80% of cavities, and even if you eat sugar, eating less of it can still result in fewer cavities; however, genetics also play a role in tooth decay, and unnecessary dental treatments recommended by dentists can be costly.
29:04
Dentists may recommend unnecessary treatments and charge higher fees to patients who appear to have less money, but getting a second opinion can help prevent unnecessary dental procedures.
33:27
Some dentists may recommend unnecessary treatments and charge higher fees to patients who appear to have less money, but getting a second opinion can help prevent unnecessary dental procedures.
