EFP emphasises continued importance of interdental cleaning

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has reiterated the importance of interdental cleaning in response to recent media coverage of the benefits of flossing.

An Associated Press report published last month claimed that the medical benefits of flossing are unproven, based on research carried out over the last decade. However, the EFP has criticised the coverage for lacking nuance and specificity.

It acknowledged that large-scale studies have failed to show the efficacy of flossing for plaque removal between teeth and reducing gingival inflammation, but this is largely because patients find flossing difficult to perform, meaning it is frequently performed incorrectly.

Individuals who can floss correctly will therefore still benefit from doing so, while for others interdental brushes may be a more effective means of removing plaque from between the teeth.

EFP secretary general Iain Chapple said the recent coverage has been "highly misleading to the public and to patients", adding that it is likely to "cause confusion for patients, the public and indeed parts of the profession".

He added that cleaning between the teeth on a daily basis remains an essential element of gum health maintenance.

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