The million-dollar invention that was created two centuries ago and that changed the history of our dental health

For centuries, millions of people understand the importance to maintain a good oral hygiene. Proper dental care not only contributes to healthy teeth, but also helps prevent serious diseases that can affect the rest of the body. In this context, the dental floss It became a crucial element in revolutionizing oral health.

Dental floss, an invention that has been in existence for more than 200 years, continues to be an indispensable tool. Discover how its invention changed the course of dentistry and why its use remains essential today.

Who invented dental floss and how?

Dental floss, as we know it today, was invented in the early 19th century by Levi Spear Parmly, an American dentist from New Orleans. With a clear vision of improving the dental health of his patients, Parmly recommended using a fine silk thread to clean the spaces between the teeth, a practice that was novel and revolutionary at the time. Your idea of “exhaustive cleaning” between teeth went far beyond simple brushing and became a key recommendation in their consultations.

History tells that in 1815 this dentist was the first to propose this innovative technique, and although his ideas took time to spread, they managed to revolutionize the approach to oral hygiene. According to specialists, “Parmly conceived dental floss as a means to control dental diseases at their source,” a practice that would influence future generations of dentists and in the dental products industry.

However, it was towards the end of the 19th century when dental floss began to be marketed. In 1896, the company Johnson & Johnson He launched his own silk dental floss, and two years later he obtained a patent that allowed him to manufacture it with materials that were already used in medicine for sutures. This measure accelerated the expansion of the use of dental floss and its consolidation as an essential resource in oral hygiene.

Why is the use of dental floss essential?

This spectacular invention fulfills a function that the toothbrush alone cannot achieve. While brushing removes visible debris from the tooth surface, flossing reaches the interdental areas where food debris and bacterial plaque accumulate, which could lead to cavities and gum disease. “Dental floss is the ideal complement to the toothbrush,” says the American Dental Association, highlighting its effectiveness in preventing serious oral diseases.

Constant flossing helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, helping to avoid gingivitis and other periodontal diseases. According to research, “the accumulation of plaque between teeth is one of the main factors in the appearance of gingival infections,” which is why the use of dental floss is considered by experts as a essential practice.

Furthermore, this habit not only protects the teeth, but also combats halitosis or bad breath problems. Food debris trapped between your teeth can be responsible for unpleasant breath, and flossing helps remove it effectively, ensuring a cleaner, fresher mouth.

Although many ignore the importance of its daily use, dental floss is still a tool recommended by dentists around the world. Its proper use, at least once a dayis essential for a deep cleaning, helping to reach those spaces where the brush cannot reach and thus offering an extra defense against various dental diseases.