While most medical professionals will clash on treatment methods to some degree, most everyone can agree on some things. When it comes to dental care, for example, flossing in addition to brushing is a surefire strategy to combat plaque, gingivitis and other common issues.

Right?As it turns out, a new Associated Press article was able to highlight plenty of information that proves otherwise.Last year, a request for proof that flossing plays an important role in dental hygiene was made to the departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. The federal government releases a dietary guideline every five years, and any statements within the document must be backed up by scientific research. AP found that the government had removed the recommendation for flossing from its dietary guidelines this year.Flossing has been promoted by the American Dental Association since 1908.From analyzing more than 25 different studies from the past decade, AP was able to show that scientifically speaking, flossing may not be all it is cracked up to be."Self-flossing has failed to show an effect," "routine instruction to use floss is not supported by scientific evidence," "weak, very unreliable evidence from 10 studies that flossing plus toothbrushing may be associated with a small reduction in plaque at 1 and 3 months," and "studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal" were just some of the statements that appeared in study conclusions.A local dentist disagrees with the AP report.Dr. Kile Sherry, of Sherry Dental PC in Lehighton and Tamaqua, has been practicing dentistry for three years, and continues to recommend flossing to his patients."What I want people to know is that before you brush, you have a layer of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, and when you brush you get that off. But there are places in between teeth and below the gum line where brushes can't reach," Sherry said.Although he strongly recommends daily flossing, even infrequent use can be beneficial."I tell a lot of my patients, who aren't super-regular flossers, if you're still doing it three times a week, that's a lot better than not at all," Sherry said.He also said that the issues listed in the AP article that could make flossing dangerous or uncomfortable can largely be alleviated by knowing how to floss properly."You can definitely floss too hard. People will sometimes be too vigorous. You don't want to go too far down and cause extreme pain," Sherry said.The key is to hug the sides of the teeth, moving up and down before proceeding to the other side. Sherry recommends that people ask their dental hygienist for proper techniques if they are unsure of how to floss correctly. He assures that initial bleeding and mild discomfort may occur, but to not let it dissuade you from continuing the practice."A couple times a week, and your gums will respond to that. They won't be as sore as when you first start doing it," Sherry said.