Dental flossing is indispensable for a great dental hygiene. A good use of it helps to reach places where the toothbrush does not reach, in this way, removing food residues that could not be taken out otherwise. But, have you ever asked yourself, where does it come from? As the children’s dentist Elmwood Park leading company, we have the responsibility to educate our clients on everything related to dental care, so we will answer this question for you.

The Beginning

There is archaeological data that suggests that humans started using dental floss since prehistoric times. Archaeologist have found small pointed sticks on fossils’ teeth from thousands of years ago, which proves that humans identified the need for flossing before most people can even imagine. Research shows that in some cultures, people even used horse’s hair to floss.

However, dental floss was not officially invented until 1819, when Dr. Levi Spear Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans, recommended the use of thin silk thread to reach places that the toothbrush could not reach in order to properly clean the teeth. In fact, he considered this the most important part of dental care.

First Commercial Uses and Patent

Although dental floss existed already, many people still preferred the use of toothpicks; some customers even customized the toothpicks with their initials. In 1882, Codman and Shurleft Company began to mass produce unwaxed silk floss, making its use more popular. 16 years later, in 1898, Johnson & Johnson got the first dental floss patent and started distributing their own version of it.

Adaptation to Modern Times

Dental floss, as people know it today, became available in the 1940s, during the World War II, when Dr. Charles C. Bass substituted the traditional silk for nylon, which is a more durable material. Since then, the importance of flossing has become more relevant to people, even though not everybody uses it. Today, there are different types of floss, varying in color, texture and flavour, accommodating to the consumers’ diverse preferences. Though there are other products that can substitute dental floss, it remains the most used and effective way to remove food residues between the teeth.

For more information about the correct use of dental floss or any other topic related to the dental field, call us now at 201-652-7020. After talking to our specialists, you will know why we are the leading children’s dentist Elmwood Park company.