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Gum Health

A Quick History of Dental Floss

By Regency Dental Group

Believe it or not, flossing has been around for over 200 years! The first recorded mention came in the early 1800s when a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly recommended using a silk thread to clean between teeth.

Fast forward to the 1890s, and dental floss started being mass-produced by Johnson & Johnson. Over time, silk was replaced by more durable materials like nylon, and floss became a staple in oral hygiene.

Today, flossing is a simple daily habit with centuries of history behind it—and your gums are better off because of it!

This article is general information, not dental or medical advice, and does not replace an examination. If you have a dental concern, call (707) 453-1776. For a medical emergency, call 911.

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