Question: Is it safe to use a water flosser? -JoAnn Hi JoAnn – Thank you so much for asking such a good question. First of all, I’d like to explain that I have never suggested anyone should floss or use a water-flossing device to improve their mouth health. Dentistry has promoted flossing in the US …read more

Q&A with Dr. Ellie: Water Flossing

Overview The dentist’s mantra is to “brush and floss” but is flossing useful or could other protocols keep teeth cleaner and healthier? Flossing has devotees who trust it is the only way to oral health, but where did their emphatic belief originate, and what if they are wrong? We have no science to support flossing …read more

Is Flossing the Best Way to Prevent Dental Disease?

Hear Dr. Ellie’s interview on the BBC World Service!   From the BBC World Service: Flossing is widely recommended, but for those of us who do not floss, we might take comfort from an increasing number of dentists who believe it is not the best way to prevent tooth decay or gum disease. Tooth decay is …read more

To Floss or Not to Floss: Dr. Ellie’s interview with the BBC

Do you need to brush your teeth? The answer is “yes” if you have adult teeth in your mouth. There are no studies to show a toothbrush can stop cavities, but it is an important tool to keep your gums healthy. You need a good toothbrush to stimulate blood circulation in your gums and for …read more

Product Spotlight: Mouth Watchers Antibacterial Toothbrush

Many people worry about receding gums, and it is sometimes associated with loss of jaw bone. Don’t underestimate these symptoms, because they warn that something is wrong with the health of your mouth. On the other hand, if you believe the universal answer to dental problems is to brush and floss, I hope you will …read more

10 Easy Ways to Improve Gum Recession

The chances are that if you grew up in the US you have been well instructed in the art of brushing and flossing. I have seen people in braces struggling to thread floss around the wires and elastics of the appliances and older folks who could not stitch a button on a coat be instructed …read more

Black Triangles: Is It Time to Stop Flossing?