When Do You Floss: Morning or Night?

on September 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM

floss teeth at night for best results We all know that dentists recommend flossing once a day for healthy teeth and gums.

But did you know that flossing at night is preferable to the morning in terms of optimal results? At least that's what my dentist told me last week when I went in for my 6-month check-up. Here's why...

Flossing regularly helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. My dentist explained that you should floss right before bed because at night your mouth is (generally) inactive, and bacteria has several hours to grow uninterrupted. During the day, however, you drink water, chew gum, etc.—all of which helps to clean off your teeth.

Do you agree with this advice? Do you floss before bed or in the morning? Before or after you brush?

Are You Afraid of the Dentist?

What's Your Nighttime Routine?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: healthy habits, teeth

Comments (6)

Loveplusmama

on Sep 8, 2009 at 1:54 PM

I floss in the morning because I am just too stinkin' tired at night. Flossing in the morning is better than no flossing!

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Peajewel

on Sep 8, 2009 at 4:43 PM

I floss in the morning, at lunch and at night. I keep floss in my car and in my purse. I am a freak.

AgentBrez

on Sep 8, 2009 at 8:15 PM

i always floss at night before bed. i brush my teeth, floss, then use mouthwash as my night time routine.

MomIWant

on Sep 8, 2009 at 8:29 PM

I carry floss, just in case, but I floss every night. I floss, brush and use mouthwash before going to bed.

UnplannedCookin

on Sep 9, 2009 at 9:58 AM

I floss at night. My boys love to floss, too, but I find it difficult to get the floss between their teeth without hurting them. Any suggestions?

http://www.unplannedcooking.com

Nonmember comment from anomaly

on Mar 22, 2012 at 6:30 PM

i floss in the morning BEFORE i brush. i have been told that ideally you should floss (before brushing to loosen the gunk) in the evening, but overall it is more important TO floss than not floss. my routine happens to be in the morning while I'm watching the news :)