In celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, NuDental in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Cape Town is reminding everyone that good oral health goes a long way towards overall well-being. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, is recommended.

In an August 2016 statement, the U.S. Department of Health reaffirmed the importance of flossing: “Flossing is an important oral hygiene practice. Tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum line.”

More than 500 bacterial species, some good and some bad, can be found in plaque. The plaque build-up around the teeth and on the gum line could contribute to disease in teeth and gums.

History of floss

Levi Spear Parmly is credited for the invention of the first form of dental floss. In 1819, Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans, recommended running a waxen silk thread “through the interstices of the teeth, to dislodge the matter which no brush can remove and which is the real source of disease.” He considered this the most important part of oral care. Floss was however not commercially available until 1882. Sixteen years later, the Johnson & Johnson Corporation received the first patent for dental floss. It was made from the same silk material used for silk stitches.

One of the earliest depictions of the use of dental floss is found in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses (1918-1920). During World War II, Charles C. Bass developed the nylon version.

How often should I floss

It is widely recommended that you clean between your teeth once a day, as plaque can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. It does not matter what time of day you set aside for this activity, as long as you do a thorough job. Pressing too hard or being too gentle might not have the desired outcome. With regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth, discomfort that might be experienced should ease within two weeks. If not, talk to your dentist at NuDental in Bloemfontein, Pretoria orCape Town.

An interesting survey in the U.S. has revealed that 23 percent of Americans go two or more days without brushing. Only four out of 10 reported flossing daily, while 20 percent reported never flossing.

And lastly, don’t forget. Children need to clean between their teeth too! Start as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.