The dental floss question. Did you know that it also is an excellent predictor of symptomatic tongue cancer? If you answered yes to this question, chances are, you are not alone.

Why is that?

According to Australian researchers, dental floss study participants who are EPA certified are more likely to eat and drink regularly and are not likely to be overweight, are more likely to experience some reductions in low blood pressure and are more likely to engage in moderate to vigorous exercise, regardless of their body mass index. These factors are among the factors that allowed the study to conclude that dental floss was a great predictor of symptomatic tongue cancer.

The study analysed data on nearly 4,000 participants, average age of 65, from the Regional Aboriginal Cancer Surveillance Program, Penzance (South Australia) Aged Care Unit in central Sydney. The treatment of patients was population based and did not elucidate a genetic or lifestyle factor (ethnic or) associated with bleeding disorders, so it is considered an independent predictor.

The results were published in the British Medical Journal.