Today, flossing is a staple of oral hygiene and health. But have you ever wondered when we started flossing? You might be surprised by the answer.
Floss as we know it today was developed around 200 years ago. In 1815, an American dentist named Levi Spear Parmly introduced the idea of using waxen silk thread as floss. In his book called “A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth,” he stated that the silk thread should be run “through the interstices of the teeth… to dislodge that irritating matter which no brush can remove and which is the real source of disease.”
Unfortunately, flossing didn’t catch on right away. Victorians were more interested in toothpicks than putting their hands in their mouths to pull thread through their teeth. Charles Dickens–along with many other wealthy gentlemen of the time–owned a retractable toothpick engraved with his initials and ornamented with ivory. Fancy!
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that flossing became more widespread. During World War II, Dr. Charles C. Bass, known as “The Father of Preventive Dentistry,” developed nylon floss, noting that it was more elastic and durable than silk. After the war, flossing became much more mainstream.
The Modern World of Dental Floss
Today, dental floss is more advanced and varied than ever. While traditional nylon floss remains widely popular, consumers now have a wealth of options tailored to different preferences and needs.
Types of Dental Floss
1. Waxed vs. Unwaxed: Waxed floss glides more easily between teeth, making it less likely to shred, while unwaxed floss is thinner and can fit into tighter spaces.
2. Flavored Floss: Many brands offer flavored options, which make the experience more pleasant and encourage regular use, especially among children.
3. Dental Tape: This is broader and flatter than traditional floss, providing a gentler cleaning experience that can be ideal for individuals with larger gaps between their teeth.
4. Interdental Brushes: For those who struggle with floss, interdental brushes can be a great alternative for cleaning between teeth and around dental appliances.
5. Water Flossers: Devices that use a stream of pulsing water to remove plaque and food particles are becoming increasingly popular, offering an effective, although somewhat different, approach to flossing.
Convenience and Accessibility
Flossing products have also become more convenient. Pre-threaded floss picks are available for on-the-go use, making it easy to maintain dental hygiene anytime, anywhere. For those with braces or dental work, there are specific floss threaders designed to navigate around appliances without causing damage.
With so many options available today, everyone can find a flossing solution that fits their lifestyle and enhances their oral health routine. The key takeaway is that no matter the type, regular flossing is essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. So, choose the method that works best for you, and keep up the great work with your oral hygiene!
All in all, it doesn’t matter what you use to floss; what matters is that you do! Correct daily flossing can make all the difference in your oral health and is one of the simplest ways to prevent tooth decay. So, since human beings have been cleaning between their teeth for centuries, all we have to say is keep up the good work, and floss on! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with Davis and Goldberg Orthodontics at our Greensboro or High Point location.
