Facts on Floss
Dental floss is something you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about.
Nationally, dental floss is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. In honor of National Flossing Day, enjoy these fun flossing facts!
Dental floss is a fairly recent invention.
In 1815, a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly, was the first to recommend his patients use a thin wax silk thread for cleaning between teeth.
You probably need more floss than you think.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using 18 inches of floss daily. That’s almost 183 yards annually – nearly the length of two football fields!
Some people will floss with pretty much anything.
When it comes to flossing, people like to get creative. Many people have used something other than floss between their teeth, according to an ADA survey.
- 61% have used their fingernails
- 40% have used paper or a card
- 21% have used a fork, knife or other cutlery
- 14% have used a safety pin
Some people won’t floss at all.
According to the same survey, 8% indicated that they never floss saying it is too time consuming, painful or gross. 44% of those surveyed admit they’ve exaggerated about how much they floss when asked by their dentist.
Flossing isn’t that difficult.
The ADA recommends following these simple steps to ensure that your flossing is effective:
- Wind the floss around your middle finger on one hand, and then the other.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and insert it gently between your teeth.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of your tooth.
- Keeping it pressed against your tooth, rub the floss gently up and down.
- Floss all your teeth – don’t forget to get behind your back teeth!
Dental floss is useful for more than just teeth.
Believe it or not, dental floss is a versatile kitchen tool. Unused, unflavored floss works great for cutting cake, dough and soft cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella and goat cheese.
When it comes to dental floss, remember that flossing daily is a vital part of your dental health routine. It protects you from cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. And it’s far less gross – and expensive – than a mouth full of cavities.
