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    Flossing Editor's Picks

    • About Receding Gums

      Receding gums result in the exposure of the roots of the teeth along with loss of gum tissue. Receding gums do not happen overnight. Since there are often early warning signs that lead up to receding gums, proper oral hygiene can prevent receding gums. If it is too late for prevention, don't despair, as there are treatments available... more »

    • How to Floss With Braces

      While you are wearing braces, it is very important to keep up good dental hygiene. It may seem harder to try brushing or flossing your teeth with braces, but with a few simple steps you can achieve healthy teeth and gums even while you are wearing braces. more »

    • Home Remedy For Inflamed Gums

      If you have inflamed gums, it's time to try one of a number of home remedies. A mild case of inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis, can often be remedied without an expensive and unpleasant visit to the dentist. Of course, more serious cases should be treated by a medical professional. more »

    • How Does Gingival Recession Occur?

      Gingival recession is most commonly known as receding gums. There are sometimes jokes or cartoons depicting receding gums as an older person's problem. However, receding gums can happen at any age and can be due to several different causes. Gingival recession is a gradual and cumulative process in which the damage may show in later... more »

    • Signs of Gingivitis

      Gingivitis is a condition of the gums that causes them to become swollen, sensitive and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a very common dental problem. It is brought about by bacteria and, while not serious, if it is not looked after, it can lead to much more serious problems. more »

    Flossing Quick Guides

    Flossing Articles

    • Benefits of Flossing Teeth

      Chances are you've heard often from your dentist how flossing your teeth is important. You should try to floss every day in order to get all the... more »

    • Dental Flossing Technique

      Tooth brushing is good for cleaning the surface of your teeth, but nothing gets down to the gums like flossing. In a pinch, you can use just about... more »

    • How to Understand Gingivitis Causes

      Gingivitis is a gum disease that can be prevented by proper oral care. Left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a much more... more »

    • Early Signs of Gum Disease

      A condition called gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease. The good news is that it can easily be prevented, treated and reversed if caught... more »

    • About Tooth Fillings

      If you really take notice you will find that many people have a mouth full of metal due to tooth fillings. Although over the past few years more... more »

    Wikipedia

    Dental floss

    Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. Dental floss may be flavored or unflavored, and waxed or unwaxed.

    History

    Levi Spear Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans, is credited with inventing the first form of dental floss. He recommended that people should clean their teeth with silk floss in 1815.Sanoudos M, Christen AG. (1999). Levi Spear Parmly: The Apostle of Dental Hygiene. Journal of the History of Dentistry. 47(1): 3-6.

    Dental floss was still unavailable to the consumer until the Codman and Shurtleft company started producing human-usable unwaxed silk floss in 1882. In 1898, the Johnson & Johnson Corporation received the first patent for dental floss. Other early brands included Red Cross, Salter Sill Co. and Brunswick.

    A character is depicted using dental floss in James Joyces famous novel [] (serialised 1918-1920) - an early mention of the practice in literary fiction.

    The adoption of floss was poor before World War II. It was around this time, however, that Dr. Charles C. Bass developed nylon floss. Nylon floss was found to be better than silk because of its greater abrasion resistance and elasticity. In response to environmental concerns, dental floss made from biodegradable materials is now available.

    Dentists and dental hygienists urge the daily oral hygiene regimen of toothbrushing and flossing. Nearly all Americans brush their teeth. However, studies have found that only 10 to 40% of people report flossing on a daily basis.K. Bauroth, et. al. Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 134, No 3, 359-365. "". Accessed 15 November 2009.

    Use
    Dental floss is commonly supplied in plastic dispensers that contain 10 to 50 meters of floss. After pulling out the desired amount, the flos read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental+floss

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