Flossing Habits: In the Morning or at Night?

Regular visits to our dental offices in Orange Park, FL, are crucial for protecting your oral health, but the work you put in every day at home to keep your smile clean and shiny plays a big role, too. Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing daily helps prevent plaque buildup, avoiding harmful conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses. 

If you floss once daily, you can go to bed assured, knowing your smile is clean. But is it better to floss in the morning or at night? Here, we’ll explore the benefits of both. 

When Is it Better to Floss? 

Benefits of Flossing in the Morning 

Flossing in the morning can help you have a clean and refreshed mouth at the beginning of the day. 

Plaque and bacteria can build up in the mouth after a few hours of sleep, resulting in that well-known “morning breath.” Flossing first thing in the morning gives you a cleaner start and fresher breath by removing food particles and plaque that may have accumulated overnight. 

Another benefit is consistency. Staying to flossing in the morning may be simpler for people who get up early or have hectic evening schedules. You may be more likely to floss regularly if you do it earlier in the day because nighttime fatigue frequently causes you to skip portions of a dental routine. 

Benefits of Flossing at Night 

Many dentists recommend flossing at night—and for good reason. Different particles, sugars, and acids enter our mouths as we eat and drink throughout the day. By flossing at night, you can get rid of all that debris and prevent it from spending hours between your teeth while you sleep. 

Flossing at night is especially beneficial because your mouth is more susceptible to bacterial growth during this time, and saliva production is reduced. This lowers the chance of tartar accumulation, gum disease, and cavities. 

Protect Your Smile with Our Dental Offices in Orange Park, FL 

Flossing is a crucial practice to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine. Besides removing bacterial plaque and preventing inflammation, this habit can prevent bad breath or halitosis and ensure you go through your day with a healthy and clean smile. 

While some dentists recommend nighttime flossing, what’s most important is that you do it once a day. If you have any doubts about how to take care of your smile, Philip K Clark, PA, is here to help you, so reach out!