Last year, flossing was quietly removed from the federal government's dietary guidelines after almost 40 years on the list. Why? Because, along with other generally accepted health truths—like how we need milk to grow strong bones, or how butter causes coronary blockages the size of cantaloupes—the age old adage that flossing prevents gingivitis and plaque is allegedly not so true.

According to the Associated Press, flossing has never actually been fully studied by the government, despite its inclusion in the dietary guidelines. Research done by the AP, which had to submit damn Freedom of Information Act requests to get it, found that it is essentially a waste of time. From the AP:

The AP looked at the most rigorous research conducted over the past decade, focusing on 25 studies that generally compared the use of a toothbrush with the combination of toothbrushes and floss. The findings? The evidence for flossing is "weak, very unreliable," of "very low" quality, and carries "a moderate to large potential for bias."

Across professional groups, the floss industry, and dental practices, claims that flossing prevents gum disease and cavities are either unsubstantiated or based off limited studies. No study has ever proved that it is unequivocally good for your teeth.

No, it doesn't hurt to keep flossing until further research is conducted. But it does kind of hurt to keep flossing. Best case scenario, you get that chunk of pulled pork out from between your two back molars. Worst case, you cut your gums up until they bleed. Who cares. Everyone lies to their dentist anyway.

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Sarah Rense Sarah Rense is the Associate Lifestyle Editor at Esquire, where she covers tech, food, drink, home, and more.

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