Floss that

Eleven inmates in a suburban New York jail have sued their prison for US$500 million and access to dental floss, saying they are losing their teeth. In a civil rights lawsuit filed on the 10th, the inmates say they are suffering cavities and pain because they are unable to floss. The lawsuit names as defendants Westchester County, Correction Commissioner Kevin Cherveko, the company contracted to handle inmates' health care, and two dentists. Deputy Correction Commissioner Justin Pruyne defended the ban, saying the floss can potentially be used a weapon. Santiago Gomez, the lead plaintiff, says other jails permit flossing. Several say in the complaint that they brush three times a day, "tongue and gums included," but still get cavities and suffer bleeding gums, constant dental work for temporary fillings, and mental anguish. This is not on. I think being in prison is punishment enough as it is, so the defendants in this case should at least look into providing a floss which would be appropriate for custodial situations.