Flossing Day

Flossing Day is on the fourth Friday of November in America, as an important holiday to raise awareness about the benefits of the dental flossing procedure. Although today buying a dental flossing device is not a problem, historically people used to use horse hair.

History

Mentions of a toothbrush can be found in Chinese chronicles from the 15th century, whereas dental floss was invented much later. The invention is attributed to Levi Spear Parmley, a dentist from New Orleans. He was constantly confronted with the deplorable dental conditions of his patients, which could be explained by the lack of hygiene habits. He published a book in which he described methods of care, including powder, toothbrushes, and silk threads. In particular, the thread was used to remove food remnants from the space between the teeth, as Parmley realized that bacteria caused by stuck food were destroying teeth. Other physicians continued his principles, and in 1882 Codman & Shurtleff introduced factory-made dental floss, with larger-scale production taking place in 1896. However, it was only in the 1990s that the product gained its deserved popularity.

Interesting facts

• In 1988, two criminals escaped from a New York prison by sliding down a dental floss like a tightrope.
• Different types of floss are available to suit different conditions of teeth.
• Dental floss is not suitable for people with implants.
• Even braces can be cleaned with dental floss.

How to take part

To give proper care to your teeth, make time for it every day! Get a dental flossing device and learn how to use it correctly. You can also spread the word about the benefits of dental flossing to your friends and family.

When is Flossing Day in 2024?

Flossing Day is observed on the fourth Friday in November each year.

Observations