Today, it would be hard to imagine your oral hygiene routine without floss. After all, it plays a crucial role in dislodging food particles, removing plaque, and cleaning where the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. However, this essential tool has only been available for purchase since 1882, and it has come a long way since then! Read on for an inside look at the evolution of dental floss: from new dental tool to household essential.
The Invention of Floss
Levi Spear Parmly, a New Orleans-based dentist in the 1800s, is credited with the invention of floss. At the time, he was on a quest to find a way to remove stubborn food particles that a toothbrush could not reach. After all, even 200 years ago, this was a leading cause of gum disease. In 1819, he began recommending that his patients use a strand of waxen silk in their daily oral care regimen. In fact, he was so adamant about it that he even wrote about the importance of flossing in his book, Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth. And just like that, the concept of flossing was born!
From New Dental Tool to Household Essential
Despite its invention in 1819, dental floss wasn’t mass-produced and available for purchase until 1882. Initially, it was made of unwaxed silk floss, but by the 1940s it was upgraded to nylon instead. Not only did this adjustment allow the floss to glide more easily across teeth, but it also made the floss thinner and more durable, letting it comfortably fit between even the smallest gaps. From there, it became a household staple as dentists across the U.S. began recommending that patients floss once a day in the 1970s.
Floss Today
Today, unique tools like water flossers and floss picks allow patients to effectively remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque between their teeth. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go considering only 16% of Americans floss as often as they should, according to the American Dental Association. This statistic is staggering considering brushing alone only cleans 60% of your teeth. So, if you aren’t in the habit of flossing daily, there is no time like the present to start!
About the Author
For the last three decades, Dr. Rodger Song has used the latest technology, a quality-first approach to care, and an emphasis on comfort to help patients achieve beautiful smiles and pristine oral health. Today, he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of multiple notable organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Orthodontic Society. If you are looking to improve your oral health or are overdue for your biannual appointment, visit his website or give him a call at 972-906-9797.