Levi Spear Parmly, a New Orleans dentist, is credited with inventing dental floss in 1815. He recommended silk thread for cleaning between teeth, considering it essential for oral hygiene. His 1819 book, A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth, emphasized this practice.
Parmly’s advocacy for interdental cleaning predates the widespread understanding of its significance. Maintaining clean interdental spaces removes food particles and plaque, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While silk floss remained the standard for many years, modern flosses utilize various materials like nylon, offering diverse textures and coatings. This simple yet effective practice represents a landmark achievement in preventive dental care.
