01 Dec Day or Night, Why It Matters That You Floss
Flossing is a chore that many people avoid. No matter if you use string floss, floss picks, or a Waterpik, regularly flossing keeps your mouth healthy. Good oral care routines go a long way to eliminating plaque and keeping your smile bright. You should definitely be flossing every day, but is there a best time of day to floss?
Why Should I Floss Every Day?
Flossing is a wonderful way to keep your mouth healthy and fresh. Gently flossing once every 24 hours helps remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. When left alone, plaque and bacteria will eat away at the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities. These cavities (especially if left untreated) can then turn into other oral health hazards, like tooth infections.
According to studies, only 30% of adults in the U.S. floss every day. That is a very small number of people and could be the reason why nearly half the population has some form of periodontal disease or tooth decay. Forgetting to floss can affect not only your teeth, but also your gums and even your jaw bones. Not to mention the increased risk of oral infections that could affect your overall health.
Good Habits Are Important
Building a habit requires dedication. That is why picking the time that works best for you to floss is a good plan. Your method of flossing should also reflect what you are able to fit into your daily routine. Traditional string floss is a great place to start, as it is often easy to find. Floss picks are convenient for the on-the-go, while Waterpiks are wonderful additions to established routines.
When Is the Best Time to Floss?
According to the ADA, the best time of day to floss is whenever you have the time. There are positives for morning, afternoon, and evening, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, getting it done should be your priority.
Benefits of Flossing in the Morning
- Gives you a fresh start to the day
- Helps eliminate bad breath
Benefits of Flossing in the Afternoon
- Pulls food away from the teeth sooner, not allowing it to start to decay
- Can give you a confidence boost for the rest of your day
Benefits of Flossing at Night
- Removes plaque before it has time to decompose overnight
- Allows you to take your time because you are not rushing to work or other appointments
The Best Time to Floss Is Whenever You Can
Once again, the ADA says that it doesn’t matter what time of day you floss, as long as it gets done! Studies done in 2018 showed that if you floss before you brush your teeth, you can get a better clean. The floss helps loosen plaque and debris, making your brushing more effective.
Professional Dental Cleanings in Prescott, Arizona
Whether you like to floss morning, noon, night, or not at all, Hicks Dental Group is here for you. Our team of highly skilled dentists and hygienists can help you keep your mouth happy and healthy. We can demonstrate the best techniques and recommend products to help you get the job done. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/30/22). Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels.