Are You One of the 30-Percenters?

Flossing has long been considered an important part of good oral hygiene, yet only a minority of us actually do it daily. Those who skip it sometimes point to debate about how much scientific evidence backs it up. But common sense holds up well here: disturbing the bacteria and plaque that gather between the teeth is a sensible thing to do, evidence or not.

So how did we come to floss in the first place? The history is surprisingly long.

An age-old habit

Cleaning between the teeth is, remarkably, prehistoric. The earliest versions were nothing like today’s neat dispensers, researchers have found grooves left by floss and toothpicks in the teeth of prehistoric humans, and it’s thought materials like horsehair may have served as early floss, with twigs used as toothpicks to dislodge trapped food.

It’s a good reminder that the instinct to clean between the teeth is deeply rooted, even if the tools have improved beyond recognition.

From silk to modern floss

The more recognisable story begins about two centuries ago, when a New Orleans dentist began advising patients to use thin silk thread between their teeth. The idea caught on, and by the late 1800s dental floss was being made from the same silk used for stitches.

By the 1940s, nylon had replaced silk, its consistent texture and resistance to shredding a real improvement, and it enabled waxed floss too. Since then floss has evolved into flavoured tapes, soft yarn-like materials and more, giving everyone an option that suits them.

Does flossing help?

We think so, and after looking into a great many mouths, the difference between regular flossers and non-flossers is often striking. Here’s a useful tip: many people floss with a back-and-forth sawing motion, when a gentle up-and-down motion along the side of each tooth works far better. Even better, listen for a faint "squeak", a sign of a clean, smooth surface.

If you’re not hearing that squeaky-clean sound, it may be time for a professional clean. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book a visit.