{"id":55,"date":"2018-02-07T21:22:30","date_gmt":"2018-02-07T21:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=55"},"modified":"2018-03-07T22:11:51","modified_gmt":"2018-03-07T22:11:51","slug":"horse-hair-dentist-in-waverly-history-floss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/horse-hair-dentist-in-waverly-history-floss\/","title":{"rendered":"Horse Hair? Your Dentist in Waverly Discusses the History of Floss"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AWhile flossing should be a key part of everyone\u2019s at-home care, most people don\u2019t do it. In fact, many people openly admit it\u2019s too difficult or they don\u2019t have time! However, flossing has been important for centuries. That\u2019s why your dentist in Waverly<\/a> thought it would be fun to take a dive into it\u2019s history to celebrate Children\u2019s Dental Health Month.<\/p>\n

From prehistoric humans to today\u2019s modern materials, floss has truly come a long way. So, without further ado, let\u2019s jump right into the timeline of floss. It just might make you appreciate the stuff more during your next time in the bathroom.<\/p>\n

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Before Boxes, There Were Horses<\/h2>\n

We still don\u2019t know when floss was first used, but scientists do have evidence that floss existed in prehistoric times. Apparently, grooves from floss and toothpicks were found in the mouths of prehistoric humans, suggesting they used tools to remove food debris from their teeth. Researchers believe these tools consisted of horse hair and twigs. Honestly, your dentist in Waverly was surprised to hear about it.<\/p>\n

The Early 19th<\/sup> Century \u2013 An American Dentist<\/h2>\n

It wasn\u2019t until about 1815 that floss started to have more dedicated research and development. An American dentist by the name of Dr. Levi Spear Parmly introduced the idea of using waxed silken thread to remove plaque and food debris after brushing. He eventually published a book titled A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth<\/em>, which discussed how brushing and flossing daily could make a big difference in your oral health. For context, the American Dental Association wasn\u2019t even established until 1859.<\/p>\n

The Late 19th<\/sup> Century \u2013 The First Patent<\/h2>\n

Eventually, larger companies started taking notice of it\u2019s use. In 1882, the Codman and Shurleff Company began mass-producing floss, but a patent for floss had still not been adopted. That is until 1898, when another company known to this day as Johnson and Johnson was granted the first patent for floss.<\/p>\n

Mid-20th<\/sup> Century \u2013 Times of War<\/h2>\n

By the time World War II started in the 1940s, the cost of silk began to increase. This made it difficult for companies to acquire it for floss. As a compromise to using the easily shreddable material, companies used nylon instead. This was credited to Dr. Charles Bass, another researcher and medical doctor who was noted for making flossing an essential part of daily oral hygiene.<\/p>\n

The 80s<\/h2>\n

To make removing floss easier, the first interdental toothbrush was developed. To this day, people still use it to clean hard-to-reach areas of their mouth.<\/p>\n

Present Day<\/h2>\n

Today, your children\u2019s dentist in Waverly recommends all types of floss. For example, there\u2019s:<\/p>\n