The TRUTH About Flossing Teeth (What You Aren't Being Told)

Ellie Phillips, a dentist with over 50 years of experience, challenges the common belief in the necessity of flossing for oral health. She asserts that flossing is not scientifically proven to be effective and may even be harmful, especially for those with gum disease or cavities. Phillips emphasizes the importance of using natural floss without harmful chemicals like PFAS and suggests that flossing can only remove food particles, not change the bacterial composition of the mouth, which is crucial for treating dental diseases. She also warns against sharing bacteria by flossing over family toothbrushes and the potential for flossing to push harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to systemic health issues.

This paragraph narrates the story of Helen Rumbelow, a reporter who, after interviewing Dr. Phillips, changed her oral care routine. Helen stopped flossing and started using Dr. Phillips' complete mouth care system and Xylitol, which led to a significant improvement in her oral health, as evaluated by her dentist. The narrative highlights the ineffectiveness of flossing and the benefits of alternative methods, such as using Xylitol to combat bacterial infections in the mouth. It also touches on the broader implications of oral health on overall well-being, questioning traditional dental advice and advocating for evidence-based practices.

Dr. Ellie Phillips discusses the potential link between flossing and gum recession, especially in women with certain risk factors. She advises against flossing if one has gum disease and suggests that Xylitol, when used correctly, can help regrow gum tissue. Phillips also addresses the importance of the timing of flossing, recommending it only after brushing with toothpaste, which can help distribute the toothpaste between teeth. She credits Stephen Edwards, a dentist, for this technique and emphasizes the need for more research and awareness about the true impact of flossing on oral health.

In this paragraph, Dr. Phillips delves into various scientific studies related to flossing and oral health. She discusses a study from the 1950s that demonstrated the transmissibility of cavity-causing bacteria, indicating that diet alone is not the primary cause of dental decay. She also mentions studies from the 60s and 70s that underscore the importance of good bacteria in the mouth and the effectiveness of Xylitol in reducing plaque bacteria. Phillips argues that flossing cannot replace the need to nurture healthy oral bacteria and that Xylitol offers a more scientifically supported approach to oral care.

Dr. Phillips highlights the role of Xylitol in promoting a healthy oral microbiome, referencing the Human Microbiome Project and studies from the 70s that showed Xylitol's effectiveness in reducing plaque bacteria. She explains how Xylitol can help prevent the transmission of harmful bacteria from mothers to their babies, potentially improving the long-term oral health of children. Phillips also shares an account of a researcher who used Xylitol to reduce preterm birth rates in Malawi, emphasizing the substance's broad health benefits beyond oral care.

In the final paragraph, Dr. Ellie Phillips emphasizes the importance of saliva in maintaining oral health, rather than relying on flossing. She advocates for understanding and improving saliva health through proper diet, hydration, and oral care practices. Phillips discusses how saliva strengthens teeth, feeds good bacteria, and nurtures the protective biofilm in the mouth. She criticizes the focus on flossing and encourages the use of Xylitol to stimulate the production of healthy saliva, concluding that the natural resources of the body, like saliva, should be the primary tools for oral care.