The Floss Story in Clayton, CA

The idea of cleaning the teeth is not just practiced today. During ancient times, people already find ways to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. Believe it or not, pieces of sticks were the first toothbrush and urine was the first mouthwash! People used to boil urine to make mouthwash and chew sticks to be able to get rid of the food particles left in the teeth. But how about flossing? Take a read of how flossing evolved.

flossing

We at The Grove Family Dentistry believe that a clean mouth and teeth are the first step in achieving excellent dental health. With our Hygiene and Preventive Services, patients are rest assured of a completely clean, disease-free mouth, teeth, and gums. We give focus on performing a cleaning procedure through the method called ultrasonic cleanings. The fact that tartar build-up is more laborious to be removed, the use of an ultrasonic cleaning device will get rid of the tartar on the teeth in less than a time. However, a clean tooth doesn’t always guarantee a disease-free mouth. To secure the patients’ dental health, we offer gum disease and periodontal therapy. We give several dental examinations to identify the best treatment that our patients’ need.

So, going back to the time where ancient people used to chew sticks, it was also found out that sticks were also used to clean the spaces in between teeth. However, sticks were not considered as the first type of dental floss. Instead, what was widely accepted as the first type of floss are horse hair! In fact, horse’s hair was also used as a toothbrush bristles during those times. Not until the year 1815 that the modern dental floss was introduced.

The first modern floss was made up of waxed silken threads, but it is used as a tailoring thread. After three years after the introduction of thread floss, people were more encouraged to brush and floss. Unwaxed silk floss began to flourish and was used widely by people rather than the waxed floss. It was in the year 1898 that different types of waxed and unwaxed dental floss were made available. Up to the present, dental floss comes in a variety of types, sizes, materials, and even flavors. Floss indeed had come a long, long way!


Flossing is an important part of everyone’s oral care routine. It eliminates food debris that might cause cavities and tooth decays. Flossing is as essential as brushing and mouth rinsing. However, one should not rely on these alone. It is still important to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups and other preventive services.You deserve outstanding dental care services. We provide Regular Hygiene and Preventive Services in Clayton, CA. Book your appointment with us at The Grove Family Dentistry and let us help you achieve beautiful and healthy teeth! We are located at 6200 Center St Suite I, Clayton, CA 94517.