Talk:Dental floss

message: SPAM In The NONOBJECTIVE PHOTO showing J&J's well known "Reach" "Access" brand of Floss Holder (WHEN ALSO the well known "J&J" FLOSS itself is indeed LISTED under BRANDED flosses) does indeed appear to demonstrate a CONFLICT OF INTEREST, and therefore THE holder phto and associated text are indeed SPAM!==
02:17, 29 November 2006 SoLongBaby (Talk | contribs) (→SPAM -Reverted Because Photo is an Ad which is Spam as is associated text!)
:No one sees it as spam.  Please point out what secion of WP:SPAM is in violation. --Ronz 02:36, 29 November 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: You aren't even addressing why the text is spam.  Please do so if you want to convince anyone. --Ronz 02:37, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

text: In what way is it a conflict of interest? I have seen no evidence that the uploader, nor the editors who want to keep the image, would personally benefit from the image. And the brand cannot be discerned from either the photo itself nor the caption. Should Wikipedia remove all images of commercial products? --Ginkgo100 talk 20:16, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

text: "Visual advertising spam" is not an agreed upon reason to remove an image.  Please point out wiki policy or guideline that supports your position.  The text doesn't mention any product, so there's no reason for it's removal (and you've not given one). If there is something specific in the text, please explain what it is so it can be discussed. --Ronz 16:54, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

text: Sorry, consensus is that it stays here.  When there is enough information on it to be separated into another article, it can be done then. --Ronz 22:13, 7 January 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Spam?

message: The Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association both recommend use of dental tape or a floss holder to make flossing easier   . --Ronz 03:06, 29 November 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Possible refs for holders etc

message: Deleted last two sentences that cannot be verified and appear to be unreliable information.
--WhyNot1 22:39, 20 January 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Given the state of the article, I think this is a bit premature. --Ronz 04:24, 21 January 2007 (UTC)

text: Explain how it's unreliable, it's common sense that vibration better penetrates the gumline, it operates under the same principles as an electric toothbrush. The part you removed was worded to explain why this was. It doesn't require verification if it's a logical statement. I'm restoring it. Btw, get a user page. Tyciol 13:11, 22 January 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: USE

message: One cause that is accepted is that due to the cleaning of bacterial collections, the gums do not become enflamed, and therefore more prone to bleeding. Isn't it reasonable that toughening of the gum tissue due to stress from floss, and the healing of lacerations, might have something to do with it? Our skin builds calluses, and many other tissues of the body toughen in response to stress. Tyciol 13:07, 22 January 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Causes of reduced bleeding with regular flossing

message: Dental floss should always be merely gently inserted between teeth, and gently below the gum line which is known as the gingival margin. Never jam floss between teeth. Typically floss is availbale flavored or plain, that is, unflavored. Floss comes waxed or unwaxed. --WhyNot1 2:11, 25 January 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Dental floss

message: Should we mention in the middle ages long pubic hair was often used by people as far back as the 14th Century for floss?--Wiggstar69 16:45, 6 April 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: Source to cite? Why would it be pubic hair specifically? Why not long hair from the head, or from a horse's tail/mane? Was this just an odd joke? — ¾-10 03:51, 24 December 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Pubic Hair? 

message: "Dental floss does not clean the interproximal areas beneath the contact point, because the area is concave."  Huh?  Is the "contact point" where the upper and lower teeth come together, or where a tooth comes close to the tooth in front or behind?  And what is an "interproximal area"?  Maybe a drawing would help.  Mcswell (talk) 18:13, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Directions 

message: I removed the popular culture section. It contained only two items. One in-passing reference from Doctor Who, and a reference to Montana (Frank Zappa song), that deals with growing dental floss on a farm, not with floss and flossing as such. Dr bab 22:42, 8 April 2007 (UTC)
replies: text: That sounds consistent with WP:TRIVIA to me. Good work. Walter Siegmund (talk) 00:28, 9 April 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  In popular culture 

message: Removed IMAGE because NO bonafide hygienist wears such loose latex gloves.  The latex gloves must be fit tight and every credentialed hygienist knows THAT! —Preceding unsigned comment added by THeHygienist (talk • contribs) 00:52, 17 May 2007
:I've restored the image, since this article is about dental floss, rather than hygienists or gloves. --Ronz 01:19, 17 May 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Bonafide Hygienist?

message: What's up with that picture?  Is it from a hazing ritual?  Why are the lights off? DRosenbach (Talk | Contribs) 04:05, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
thread_title:  Clandestine floss party 

message: Maybe there should be some mention dental tape as well. 66.191.19.217 (talk) 03:59, 11 September 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  Dental Tape 

message: Why do we have a picture of a man with a mustache getting his teeth flossed? - Mdriver1981 (talk) 04:15, 26 March 2010 (UTC)
replies: text: It shows how dental floss, the subject of this article, is used. Is there something about the mustache, in particular, that you object to? - SummerPhD (talk) 16:18, 26 March 2010 (UTC)
thread_title: Mustache picture

message: I just wandered on this page. Shouldn't there be a link to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_irrigator? BartYgor (talk) 09:33, 6 May 2013 (UTC)
thread_title:  Wateropik etc 

message: Flossing is a constant theme in  the U.S., but appears to be far rarer and less often recommended in e.g. Europe. I suggest that a wider perspective is taken with regard to geography and habits. In addition, the difference in recommendations could imply that the net benefits of flossing are smaller than portrayed in the article. If so, a more nuanced view should be given.80.226.24.12 (talk) 16:37, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
replies: text: Would need reliable sources to support such claims about Europeans flossing less than Americans. I have in the mean time made slight adjustments to the article to give a world wide perspective. Re the benefits of flossing being smaller than are portrayed in the article, if you would care to check the references, there is a Cochrane group systematic review which sets the tone for the article:  Lesion 17:14, 12 April 2014 (UTC)
replies: text:  It would need reliable sources to support an *implied* claim that Europeans floss as much as people in the US.  This 50-year-old German Wikipedian has a) flossed once or twice out of curiousity and b) *NEVER* had a dentist recommend it or ask whether I floss.  Because it's virtually unknown.  I know about flossing pretty much exclusively due to the 'net and US "cultural artifacts" (i.e. movies). --jae (talk) 00:46, 3 August 2016 (UTC)
replies: text: Your personal experience is not a reliable source, neither has anyone presented a reliable source either way. Matthew Ferguson (talk) 00:03, 29 January 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Too U.S. centric? 

message: I know I have read scientific articles that found paleolithic era humans used grass to floss their teeth (determined by comparing the microscopic wear with experiments on modern teeth caused by the silicon in grass leaves). I know, also, from personal experience that tribal peoples will use leaves and grass still to floss their teeth. I can't find sources on this now though, but I think it should be incorperated if someone can find sources.--Aionlux (talk) 11:10, 7 January 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  History 

message: Hello, I am User:EviDent.Prac, an oral health student attending LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Australia. Myself, along with fellow colleagues User:Yyuliya, User:CB17742881, User:eyoel07 and User:Ramiabouzeid have been assigned to edit the Dental Floss wikipedia page. As wikipedia is a fast, convenient and free resource, our aim is to ensure our patients are accessing credible and verifiable information in regards to dental issues they may present with. This will allow for a more accurate useful resource.
Throughout viewing this page, as a group we have discussed certain aspects of dental floss that we would like to review and introduce into the page. These include; Limitations of Floss, Flossing Technique, and Types of Floss, as well as performing an overall edit of current information, making it more credible.  EviDent.Prac (talk) 10:19, 30 March 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: Making the "Dental Floss" wikipedia page more evidence based

message: New addition to the contents of the Dental Floss page titled 'Types of Dental Floss'. This section outlines commonly available floss, the effectiveness according to the material characteristic and floss selection. Previous work under 'Use' has been moved under this new section and modified so that it could be incorporated into the new paragraph.CB17742881 (talk) 12:48, 29 March 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: CB17742881, please remember to support your additions with citations. It's especially important that we properly reference medical claims like "Studies have shown that there is no difference in the effectiveness of the type of floss used by individuals." KateWishing (talk) 12:52, 29 March 2015 (UTC)

text: KateWishing, references have been added and further adjustments made to content CB17742881 (talk)   — Preceding undated comment added 13:51, 29 March 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: Thank you. You should also add the page numbers for the Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice citations, considering it's a 1296-page book. KateWishing (talk) 15:29, 29 March 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: Types of Dental Floss

message: I've just added instruction of how to use floss. This describes in detail of how to use it effectively, aswell additional references.
Yyuliya (talk) 08:20, 30 March 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: We can't legally use the images unless you personally own the copyright or have obtained appropriate permissions from the copyright holder. Images must be available under a free license -- one with no restrictions on image reuse. See Commons:Licensing. (There are exceptions for fair use, but they do not apply here.) KateWishing (talk) 12:39, 16 April 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: Use

message: Just added links of other aids and tools that will remove plaque Yyuliya (talk) 08:39, 30 March 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: See also

message: The table below outlines the characteristics of common types of interdental non-powered self-care products of floss available. Please have a look through if it need any more further editing. Thanks guys ! 
Interdental Nonpowered Self-Care Products	Description                                                                                                                                                                                      	Indications                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          	Contraindications and limitations	Common problems experienced during misuse of product                                                                                                                           	The number of times it can be used/duration of use
Waxed floss                              	Traditional string floss, Nylon waxed Monofilament floss also available coated in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Does not fray                                                                  	Type I embrasures, Floss cleans between the gum and tooth                                                                                                                                                                                            	Type II and III embrasures       	Floss cuts, Floss clefts, Circulation to fingers may cut off from wrapping floss too tight, Inability to reach back teeth due to manual dexterity problems                     	One time use. Dispose after use
Unwaxed floss                            	Traditional string floss, Unwaxed, multifilaments                                                                                                                                                	Type I embrasures, Floss cleans between the gum and tooth                                                                                                                                                                                            	Type II and III embrasures       	See waxed floss                                                                                                                                                                	One time use. Dispose after use
Dental tape                              	Waxed floss that has a wider and flatter design to conventional floss                                                                                                                            	Type I embrasures, Floss cleans between the gum and tooth that may have large tooth surface area                                                                                                                                                     	Type II and III embrasures       	See waxed floss                                                                                                                                                                	One time use. Dispose after use
Tufted/braided dental floss/ Superfloss  	Regular diameter floss, wider tufted portion looks like yarn. Tip of product also resembles a threader                                                                                           	Type II and III embrasures. Under pontics of fixed partial dentures                                                                                                                                                                                  	Type I embrasures                	Trauma from forcing threader into tissues. Yarnlike portion/fibers may catch on appliances or dental work (which may cause gum irritation/problem)                             	One time use. Dispose after use
Floss holder                             	Handle with two prongs in Y or C Shape                                                                                                                                                           	Type I embrasures. Recommended for individuals that lack manual dexterity , who are physically challenged, or who have a strong gag reflex. Floss holders may assist caregivers                                                                      	Type II and III embrasures       	Unable to maintain tension of floss against tooth and fully wrap around tooth side. Need to set a fulcrum/finger rest (e.g. cheek, chin) to avoid trauma to gums and floss cuts	Can be used a number of times, however floss is to be changed after each use
Floss threader                           	A nylon loop designed to resemble a needle with large opening to thread floss. Tip of floss threader inserted and pulled through the space between two teeth to allow cleaning of the teeth sides	Type I embrasures: tight contacts between teeth, floss between and under abutment teeth and pontics of fixed prosthesis (e.g. fixed bridges and dental implants), under orthodontic appliances such as wires and lingual bar, under bars for implants	Type II and III embrasures       	Trauma to gums from flossing threader into tissues                                                                                                                             	Can be used a number of times, however floss is to be changed after each use
CB17742881 (talk) 07:50, 20 April 2015 (UTC)
replies: text: It's a nice looking table but it will need supporting WP:MEDRS-compliant references to support the accuracy of these descriptions. If you can provide those in the correct way & place, I think this will be a nice addition to the article. Also, does the phrase "floss cuts" mean cuts in the gum from using floss to aggressively? If so, we need to define that in the article somewhere or use terminology lay readers will easily understand (i.e., what are embrasures?). TylerDurden8823 (talk) 07:56, 20 April 2015 (UTC)

text: The table is looking really good. Additional information will be added into the empty cells, along with the reference within the table description once it is uploaded. EviDent.Prac (talk) 08:04, 20 April 2015 (UTC)

text: All of the references to the Darby textbook still require page numbers. I also removed the dental embrasures image because it appears to be a copyright violation -- see my comment in #Use_2. KateWishing (talk) 12:13, 20 April 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: Help edit table!

message: Hi all, the language used for this section of the article has to be changed because the way it's currently written is in an instructional/how-to manner and that goes against Wikipedia policy. Instead, it should be rephrased to simply state that these are the recommended steps but there should be no second person language or commands (i.e., where it says repeat step 6). TylerDurden8823 (talk) 08:08, 20 April 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  Recommended Flossing Technique Wording Changes Needed 

message: CB17742881, Yyuliya, EviDent.Prac, and Ramiabouzeid, thank you for your contributions to the article. You added eight references to the textbook Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, which still require page numbers. Once we have page numbers, we can remove the citations-needed template at the top. KateWishing (talk) 12:39, 25 April 2015 (UTC)
thread_title:  Page numbers needed 

message: Added information about its use with orthodontic appliances, to link in with floss threader etc.Eyoel07 (talk) 06:30, 20 May 2015 (UTC)
thread_title: Benefits

message: I am afraid that most of the article needs to go in the bin – flossing is no longer recommended, and when it is, it is as an alternative to interdental brushes. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/dental-floss-proof-works-guidelines-dropped Littledogboy (talk) 00:44, 12 September 2017 (UTC)
replies: text:  I agree, nobody should be flossing their teeth.  2600:1700:1DC0:8CC0:C2CB:38FF:FE11:20F8 (talk) 07:09, 28 August 2018 (UTC)
replies: text: The interpretation of scientific sources by mainstream media is often problematic. The scientific source can be over-simplified to make a better story, to make things understandable for readers, or perhaps just because of lack of understanding on the part of journalist. A great many Cochrane reviews about different topics find lack of evidence of efficacy due to widespread flaws in study design, but this needs to be clearely distinguished from evidence of a lack of efficacy. That is to say, not knowing if something is positive or negative due to lack of research or poor quality research is entirely different from knowing if something is negative due to the findings of good quality research that found it to be negative. Some have termed media interest in this topic "flossgate". However it is not as simple to state that it is no longer reccommended. See this advice from BSP : "Daily cleaning between your teeth using special interdental brushes is essential for treating and preventing gum disease. Floss is of little value unless the spaces between your teeth are too tight for the interdental brushes to fit without hurting or causing harm.”  Therefore, floss is not a waste of time - it is a viable alternative to interdental brushing where appropriate.  " Matthew Ferguson (talk) 09:51, 18 November 2018 (UTC)
replies: text: I can't fit any brush between my teeth, so I use floss.  I don't understand where all this hate from dental floss has come from, all of a sudden.  For what reason should I *NOT* be flossing?   139.138.6.121 (talk) 10:11, 17 January 2021 (UTC)
replies: text:  A Study from April 2020, "Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults" from the International Dental Association found significantly less oral disease in flossers then non-flossers. I'll summarise the findings in the efficacy section when I have a chance.Permareperterra (talk) 10:07, 9 July 2021 (UTC)
thread_title:  Article out of date – no longer state of art 

message: Please someone discuss the new plastic-free dental floss market which uses waxed silk or a kind of waxed floss made of maize (is it a maize-based plastic or the natural fibres?). Sometimes these products are black with charcoal. It's an interesting topic.
One of the websites selling these new types of floss claims that it's better than nylon. Review their claim, please. It's this one: https://www.wearthlondon.com/plastic-free-dental-floss Moses Alkadhem (talk) 08:47, 8 December 2022 (UTC)
thread_title:  New Types of Floss