During Ancient Times

Over the years, anthropologists have found evidence that ancient people used various implements such as pointed sticks for interdental cleaning.

 The Beginning

But according to most sources, credit for the invention of dental floss as we know it goes to a New Orleans dentist, who in 1815 began advising his patients to use a thin silk thread to clean between their teeth.

 The Evolution Of Dental Floss (1882-1896)

The idea caught on, and in 1882 a company called the Codman and Shurtleft Company, based in Randolph, Massachusetts, began marketing an unwaxed silk dental floss. This was followed in 1896 by the first dental floss from Johnson & Johnson. The New Jersey-based J&J took out a patent for dental floss in 1898 that was made from the same silk material used by doctors for silk stitches.

 The Evolution of Dental Floss (1940-1950)

During the 1940s, nylon replaced silk as the material for dental floss-its consistent texture and resistance to shredding were an improvement over the silk versions. The use of nylon also allowed for the development of waxed floss in the 1940s, and for the development of dental tape in the 1950s.  

So with todays many types of floss tailored to many different dental needs....be sure to floss at least one time per day.

KEEP FLOSSING!!!!!