100 Worcester Street, Suite 50 | Grafton, MA 01536

Does It Matter When You Floss?

Brunette man in a white t-shirt smiles as he flosses his teeth

Daily flossing is a simple way to reduce your risk of dental disease. While flossing is not complicated, you may wonder if there is an ideal time during the day to floss.

Before or After Brushing Teeth?

Whether you floss before or after you brush your teeth is up to you. However, flossing after you brush may feel easier. If you floss before you brush your teeth, you’ll likely remove food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush would be capable of brushing away. But if you brush first, then any lingering particles that you remove with floss are likely ones your brush couldn’t reach.

In the Morning or Before Bed?

If you’re going to floss only once a day, flossing before bed is the best time to remove the debris from the meals and snacks you had throughout the day. This helps reduce any chance of these particles and bacteria sitting between your teeth while you sleep. Allowing the bad bacteria in your mouth to feast on food particles overnight can contribute to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Consistency Is Key

When it comes to flossing, the most important factor is that you floss at least once a day. Whether it is before or after brushing, in the morning or at night, daily flossing can help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.

Schedule Your Next Dental Visit!

Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine is a significant part of maintaining a healthy smile. In addition to brushing and flossing every day, make sure you’re also scheduling twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings at our office to keep your smile in tip-top shape. Dental checkups help ensure that you don’t have any underlying dental issues that need to be addressed. If you’re overdue for your next visit, please contact Grafton Dental Care to schedule your next appointment!

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