Flossing Day

National Flossing Day is observed in the United States on the fourth Friday of November each year. It’s an important reminder of the benefits of regular dental flossing—even though today floss picks and water flossers are readily available, people once used horsehair!

History

References to cleaning between teeth date back to Chinese chronicles of the 15th century, but modern dental floss was pioneered by New Orleans dentist Levi Spear Parmley. Troubled by his patients’ poor oral health, Parmley published a care manual in 1819 recommending powder, toothbrushes, and a silk thread to remove food debris. In 1882, Codman & Shurtleff introduced the first commercial floss, with broader production ramping up in 1896. Flossing became widely popular only in the 1990s.

Interesting Facts

• In 1988, two prisoners in New York famously escaped by sliding along a stretched dental floss line.
• Today’s floss comes in many types—waxed, unwaxed, PTFE, flavored, and designed for braces.
• Dental floss should not be used around some implants unless advised by a dentist.
• Even those with braces or bridges can use special flossers or threaders to clean between teeth.

How to Take Part

• Commit to flossing at least once a day—use traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser.
• Learn proper technique: curve the floss into a “C” shape and slide gently along each tooth.
• Share tips and encourage friends and family to make flossing part of their routine.
• Post your commitment on social media with #FlossingDay to spread awareness.

When is National Flossing Day in 2025?

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

Observations