Did you know that dental floss as we know it has only been around for about 200 years? Before then, flossing wasn’t a crucial step for oral health like it is now. Even though your great grandparents probably had access to this tool, dental floss and its perception have changed significantly over the years. Continue reading to learn more about dental floss and how it came to be.
Invention of Dental Floss
As you likely predicted, floss was created by a dentist. His name was Levi Spear Parmly, and he practiced dentistry in New Orleans back in 1819. There are certain areas in the mouth where food and plaque get stuck, but a toothbrush can’t quite reach. Ultimately, this would lead to gum irritation, gingivitis, and even periodontitis. A waxed silk thread was Parmly’s solution. He actually believed it to be the most important part of oral care! He even wrote about it in his book: Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth!
Now Available in Stores!
Dental floss was invented in the early 1800s; it wasn’t until 1882 that it was seen more widely in stores. A company called “Codman & Shurtleff” started selling unwaxed silk floss. Until this time, toothpicks were more commonly used to dislodge food from the teeth. Johnson & Johnson were eventually able to secure the first patent for silk dental floss.
The Switch to Nylon
Silk was primarily used to make dental floss, but it had a tendency to shred. That’s why Dr. Charles C. Bass created dental floss from nylon. To this day, nylon is still one of the most widely used materials to produce floss. Shortly after the development of nylon floss, a waxed version came out. This was popular because it had the tendency to be more comfortable, especially for people who had smaller gaps between their teeth.
An Essential Dental Tool
It wasn’t until the 1970s that floss became mainstream in North America. This is when dentists started to recommend that their patients floss at least once a day for optimal oral health. However, this is still hasn’t become a regular practice for many Americans. According to studies by the American Dental Association, only 16% of Americans report flossing daily.
Dental floss has changed a lot in the last couple of centuries, and it has come a long way. Flossing is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. By taking this step daily, you can prevent oral health issues and maintain a strong, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has been working in the field for more than 40 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge as skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, and many more professional organizations. To learn more about preventive care or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (540) 869-4377.