When Is the Best Time to Floss

Written by Dr. Brian Harris

September 03, 2024

You may be staring at your toothbrush, wondering when is the best time to floss?

In this article, we'll explore various times to floss—morning, after meals, and night—and discuss the benefits of flossing before brushing.

We'll also cover important considerations if you have gum disease, when you might need to avoid flossing, how to make flossing a habit, and whether you can floss too much.

Here is how to time your flossing.

What this article covers:

The Best Time to Floss

Determining the best time to floss can be a bit tricky, but don't worry. We're here to assist you. We'll explore the ideal times to floss and why each might be beneficial, so you can find the best routine for you.

Morning Flossing

Flossing in the morning can be a refreshing way to start the day. Nothing beats knowing that your teeth and gums are clean before heading out.

Morning flossing can remove any plaque or bacteria that have accumulated overnight, setting the stage for a healthier mouth throughout the day.

For those who may feel rushed in the morning, incorporating SNOW Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss into your routine can be a time-efficient way to remove unsightly plaque.

Infused with activated charcoal, this plant-based floss not only removes debris but also helps whiten the spaces between your teeth, providing a fresh start to your day.

After-Food Flossing

Our findings show that flossing after meals is another excellent option if you frequently consume foods that tend to get stuck between your teeth.

SNOW Charcoal Whitening Floss Picks offer a convenient solution for after-meal flossing. These picks are made from 100% recycled BPA-free plastic and are infused with activated charcoal to remove plaque and whiten between teeth.

when is the best time to floss

Night-Time Flossing

Our research indicates that flossing before bed is considered the most critical time to floss. Night-time flossing ensures that your mouth is clean while you sleep. For a deep clean, SNOW Water Flosser is an ideal tool to add to your nighttime routine.

Its powerful, adjustable water pressure system can remove plaque and bits of food from hard-to-reach areas, making it effective for those with braces, implants, or tight gaps.

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

There are specific advantages to flossing before brushing your teeth. Doing so dislodges food particles trapped between your teeth, clearing it away before you brush.

This allows your toothbrush to remove these particles and apply cleaning agents to all around the tooth's surface, including areas that are often missed when brushing alone.

Why Is It Better to Floss Before Brushing?

Flossing before brushing might be the better approach for removing plaque and allowing toothpaste to work more effectively. We'll explore how this routine could enhance your oral health and prevent issues like gum disease.

Prevents Gum Disease

One of the key benefits of flossing before brushing is its role in preventing gum disease. Gum disease often starts with plaque buildup along the gum line, which can lead to inflammation, known as gingivitis.

Flossing first helps remove the plaque that your toothbrush might not reach, reducing the risk of gingivitis and more severe gum diseases like periodontitis.

Removes Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed regularly.

when is best time to floss

Based on our observations, flossing before brushing gets rid of plaque from areas that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach, such as between your teeth and just below the gum line.

By removing this plaque before brushing, you help prevent the buildup that can lead to tartar, which is much harder to remove and can only be addressed by a dental professional.

For those who travel frequently, investing in the best portable water flosser can help maintain your oral hygiene routine even when you're away from home.

Flossing If You Have Gum Disease

Flossing is essential for managing and controlling the progression of this condition. Regular flossing can help alleviate some symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding and swollen gums, by keeping the gums free from irritants.

However, it's important to be gentle to avoid further irritation or injury to already sensitive gums.

When to Refrain From Flossing

While flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, there are certain situations where you might need to refrain from it temporarily.

For example, if you have undergone recent dental surgery or have an open sore in your mouth, flossing could irritate the affected area and delay healing.

Additionally, if you notice severe pain or excessive bleeding when flossing, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a dental professional. In such situations, it's important to seek advice from your dentist rather than continuing to floss.

Turning Flossing Into a Habit

One effective strategy for making flossing a habit involves linking flossing with another part of your daily routine, such as right after brushing your teeth or before bed. By associating flossing with an existing habit, it becomes easier to remember and less likely to be skipped.

when is the best time to floss your teeth

Starting with a manageable goal, such as flossing a few teeth each day, and gradually increasing until you're flossing your entire mouth can also help establish the habit.

Using tools like SNOW teeth whitening floss picks or the best water flosser might make the process simpler if traditional flossing feels cumbersome.

Can I Floss Too Much?

Flossing too much or too aggressively can cause harm to your gums and teeth. Over-flossing can lead to gum recession, damage to the tooth enamel, and increased tooth sensitivity.

When choosing your flossing tools, consider opting for the best dental floss or the best tooth flosser that suits your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the best time to floss can impact your oral health. We've discussed the benefits of flossing at different times of the day, why it's better to floss before brushing, and the importance of flossing if you have gum disease.

We've also highlighted situations where you might need to refrain from flossing and tips on turning flossing into a daily habit.

Visit SNOW today and take control of your oral health by adopting the best flossing routine that suits your lifestyle.

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