What is Dental Floss?

Oral health is as important as any other aspect of health care. Many times the teeth, gums or tongue can be an indication of the overall health of the individual. Brushing your teeth regularly and keeping dental appointments for exams in cleanings is important to the health of your teeth. Dental floss should also be regularly used as part of a daily regimen.

What is Dental Floss?

Dental floss is a name given to a specially made ribbon specifically developed to clean between your teeth. This dental floss or dental ribbon is made up of thin nylon filaments bundled together to form a long string that can be easily wrapped around your finger and manipulated between each tooth. Plastic filaments may also be used for dental floss.

Dental floss can be readily acquired at any grocery store, drugs store or your dentist. Up until recently dental floss was unflavored and rather bland tasting, but lately flavored versions have been developed to make the process a bit more palatable.

History of Dental Floss

The history of dental floss is somewhat vague but can be traced back to a dentist from New Orleans named Levi Spear Parmly. In 1815 he developed a silk thread that was used as the first dental floss. He recommended his patients use this floss to clean the teeth in addition to brushing. Mass production of dental floss did not occur until 1882. The silk floss that was originally used was not abrasive enough to do a thorough job. During World War II nylon floss was invented.

How to Use Dental Floss

Dental floss is used to remove food and dental plaque from the sides of the teeth. This is the area that is neglected by a toothbrush. Since teeth are normally spaced next to each other, it is impossible for the bristles of a toothbrush to get between them. Dental floss makes this possible by gently sliding the floss between two teeth and scraping against the sides and along the gum line. This effectively removes a good deal of food particles and plaque.