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It’s one of the most universal recommendations in all of public health: Floss daily to prevent gum disease and cavities. Except there’s little proof that flossing works. Still, the federal government, dental organizations and manufacturers of floss have pushed the practice for decades. Dentists provide samples to their patients; the American Dental Association insists on its website that, “Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” (Donn, 8/2)

According to a new study in rats, iron-containing nanoparticles may be better at destroying cavity-causing plaque than nearly any other tooth-cleaning technique. These tiny particles act as catalysts to promote a natural cleaning process in your mouth. The process can kill bacteria thousands of times more efficiently than a traditional brush, the paper in the journal Biomaterials suggests. (Betuel, 8/1)