Doesn't empirically demonstrating the efficacy of flossing face all the same challenges as any other medical research?
Of course it is difficult to definitely prove whether or not vitamin C supplements reduce the duration of a cold. That doesn't mean that we should all just abandon empiricism and start gulping vitamins because it is "common sense."
What if someone's "common sense" leads them to believe that use of a an abrasive cleaning technique like flossing might damage their gums? I can think of any number of non-scientifically backed rationalizations one could use for or against flossing.
So, even if not-definitive, what research is there on whether flossing improves oral or overall health?
Of course it is difficult to definitely prove whether or not vitamin C supplements reduce the duration of a cold. That doesn't mean that we should all just abandon empiricism and start gulping vitamins because it is "common sense."
What if someone's "common sense" leads them to believe that use of a an abrasive cleaning technique like flossing might damage their gums? I can think of any number of non-scientifically backed rationalizations one could use for or against flossing.
So, even if not-definitive, what research is there on whether flossing improves oral or overall health?