NY Inmates Sue for Dental Floss and $500 Million

In a federal lawsuit first reported by The Journal News, the Westchester County inmates claim they're losing teeth and suffering pain

Several inmates in a New York jail have filed a $500 million lawsuit because they're not allowed to use dental floss.

In a federal lawsuit first reported by The Journal News, the Westchester County inmates claim they're losing teeth and suffering pain.

They claim that the jail acknowledges the need for floss and that other jails permit flossing.

The lawsuit names the county and its corrections commissioner, among others.

A call to the commissioner was not immediately returned. A corrections spokesman told The Journal News that the jail is not required to offer floss but is looking into it.

The lawsuit claims inmates need floss because when cavities develop they are given only temporary fillings, which eventually fall out and lead to tooth loss or chronic pain.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us