The One Funny Way Flossing (What?) Is Like Running

Flossy, Flossy?

If you’ve ever smiled sheepishly when your dentist asks how often you floss, we have some good news. Despite decades of assertion that picking your teeth with a little white string is crucial for mouth health, the American Academy of Periodontology quietly released a statement back in August that there is simply no hard evidence that flossing prevents cavities or aids in gum health.

This doesn’t mean you should forget flossing forever—additional research is required to show whether the behavior prevents dental issues in the long term—but just like running, if you skip a few days, don’t sweat it.