27/02/2026
🦷 1. Floss is older than you think
Archaeologists found grooves in prehistoric teeth that suggest people were cleaning between their teeth thousands of years ago. Modern dental floss was popularized in 1815 by Levi Spear Parmly, who recommended silk thread for cleaning teeth.
🪥 2. It used to be made of silk
Before World War II, floss was mainly made from silk. During the war, nylon replaced silk — and that’s what most floss is still made from today.
💪 3. Flossing isn’t just about food
It removes plaque (a sticky film of bacteria), not just trapped food. Plaque hardens into tartar if not removed — and floss is the only thing that can clean where your toothbrush can’t reach.
❤️ 4. It may help your heart
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. Keeping your gums healthy may reduce systemic inflammation.
📏 5. The average person should use about 18 inches
Dentists recommend using about 45 cm (18 inches) of floss so you can use a clean section for each tooth.
🏆 6. There’s a Guinness record for flossing
One of the more unusual records involves the longest strand of dental floss used in a single piece — proof that even floss can have its moment of fame!
🦷 7. Only about 30% of people floss daily
Even though most people know they should, regular flossing isn’t as common as dentists would like.
Mall 88 St Leonards
St Leonards Green Dental
