is rinsing really as effective as flossing?

Answer 1

There are some studies that show that rinsing is as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth but overall - no it is not. There was never a study done to see if it is as effective when is comes to reducing tooth decay, reducing periodontitis or removing food debri that gets stuck between the teeth. Flossing gets out what rinsing can't - the food that is stuck between the teeth and needs to be "loosened" and removed by the floss.

See this article from the ADA (American Dental Assoc):
While some study results* indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends to brush twice a day and clean between the teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.

Regarding the studies, the authors concluded that in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis (early periodontal (gum) disease), rinsing twice a day with the antiseptic mouth rinse was as effective as flossing for reducing plaque and gingivitis between the teeth. The studies did not examine whether the mouth rinse had the same effect as floss on reducing tooth decay or periodontitis (advanced periodontal (gum) disease). Flossing and interdental cleaners also help remove food debris caught between teeth that may not be rinsed away.

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

* Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
* Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
* Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
* Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months , or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults because they can wear out sooner.

Answer 2

No. Rinsing doesn't loosen the sticky plaque bacteria from teeth and doesn't get below the gum line like flossing does. It does help to rinse after flossing tho.

Answer 3

of direction no longer! it relatively is an commercial to catch purchasers to purchase it! As you already pronounced it, 'rinsing with thier product is as effective as flossing partly of a first oral hygine ordinary', meaning to make specific stable oral hygiene, you need to use their product yet you could desire to brush and floss besides! Do you have self assurance those slimming commercials besides? =)

Answer 4

I'd say no.

Try only rinsing for 6 months and see what the dentist says at your next cleaning.

Answer 5

Just how effective is flossing?

Answer 6

never, coz u have to scape away all the crud between the gum and the tooth, rinsing cant do that.....

Answer 7

only with a good water pick

Answer 8

i wouldnt say so

Answer 9

no

Answer 10

that's b.s!you should do both!!!