On August 2, 2016, the NY Times featured an article “Feeling Guilty About Not Flossing? Maybe There’s No Need.” For decades, the federal government and dentists have strongly urged us to floss daily to promote good oral health. But now, the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services no longer endorse the practice of flossing due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting medical benefits.

Non-flossers are rejoicing!

Dentists are outraged!

Those of us who floss regularly are in disbelief!

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED, COMMON SENSE?

If food is caught between your teeth, do you sincerely think it’s a good idea to keep it there?

If your cleanings cause your gums to bleed and regular flossing results in less pain and no bleeding, do you need scientific evidence to prove that flossing is a good practice for you?

The article states: "A review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities."

While it may not be a large or long enough study to satisfy the government, isn’t this reason enough to encourage our kids to floss and to floss ourselves? It seems like basic hygiene.

DAILY HABITS AND ROUTINES HAVE MANY BENEFITS

If you have participated in my corporate training programs, you know that I like to share how I tested the theory that it takes "21 days to create a new habit."

My father, grandfather, and brother were/are all dentists but I was never taught to floss as a kid (the cobbler's children have no shoes?)

I began flossing eight years ago to see if I could create a new habit in 21 days. I have done it consistently every since. My gums are healthier, I have needed less dental work, and my cleanings are no longer painful.

Sometimes, a habit can become a ‘keystone’ habit that encourages other good behavior.

Flossing may encourage you to take more care brushing your teeth. Maybe the two habits combined will do a better job of dislodging food caught between teeth and reduce plaque that may result in tooth decay or gum disease.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Author's Bio: 

Hi, I'm Sharon Danzger and I founded Control Chaos in 2006. As a productivity consultant, I provide group training and individual coaching.

My diverse background in financial services, non-profits, and small business enables me to offer a unique perspective on finding efficiency and balance. I tailor my approach to be industry specific and culturally focused based on my actual work and client experience.

I spent the early part of my career in financial services working for The Prudential Insurance Company of America. I spent time in a variety of areas including commercial real estate, underwriting, corporate social responsibility, and group insurance.

My work with non-profits has ranged from leadership development, governance, and training to financial analysis and oversight of an $18 MM budget.

I hold a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Real Estate from New York University. I am also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

I have earned a Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Recently I completed Monash University's "Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance," University of Virginia Darden School's "Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management," University of Pennsylvania Wharton School's "Contagious," and University of Michigan's "Inspiring and Motivating Individuals." I am a lifelong learner and am always looking for ways to learn and grow.