Dental Floss – A history and does floss type matter?
(Submitted by my hygienist, Pam)
Recently a patient reminded me of a saying I hadn’t heard in a while. “You don’t have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” Hopefully we all want to keep all our teeth for the rest of our lives. And research has shown that flossing can prolong life, up to 10 extra years!
In 1815, Levi Spear Parmly began advising his patients to use a thin silk tread to clean between their teeth. Dental floss was born! The idea caught on and by 1898 Johnson & Johnson took out a patent for dental floss that was made from the same silk material used by doctors for silk stitches.
During WWII, Dr. Charles C. Bass developed nylon floss to replaced silk. This allowed for the development of waxed dental floss and dental tape by the 1950’s. Today we have a variety of types of dental floss types including new materials such as Gore-Tex.
Studies have found most Americans brush their teeth to some degree, but as few as 10% reports flossing daily. Flossing is a key part of a healthy routine for maintaining your oral health as well as overall health. If not removed, within 24 hours bacteria can begin to cause the gums to become inflamed. Gingival inflammation or gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth. Dental floss reaches the area between the teeth as well as below the gums to help eliminate bacteria resulting in healthier gum tissue.
Patients are always asking me what the best type of dental floss to use is. And I tell them that it is whatever works best for them! If flossing is difficult you won’t do it. There are many different kinds of dental floss commonly available. You have your basic flosses, expensive, inexpensive, thick, thin, waxed, non-waxed, flat, woven, etc. along with floss holders, floss picks, and various different adjuncts.
Dental Floss Options
Water floss and more!
Have you flossed today?
This information shared with you by Julie Gillis, DDS PC. Our office is located in Grand Junction, Colorado. We feel that your dental health is the top priority. and if we can make your smile more attractive while improving your health that is wonderful! Dr. Gillis practices restorative and cosmetic dentistry including porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, implants, crowns, bridges and periodontal care. Our office website is www.juliegillisds.com. For further information, please contact us at (970) 242-3635.