When it comes to good oral hygiene, everyone has heard that the most important aspect of a dental health regimen is brushing and flossing every day. Ideally, you brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss twice each day, too. However, we know most people only floss once per day. Good oral health prevents you from dealing with a tooth and gum issue that requires complex dental procedures like root canals.

At Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic, our Canadian Dental Association-approved oral health professionals provide patients with high-quality dental care and work to prevent serious health problems for you and your family. We can also offer advice for proper home hygiene methods for proper flossing and brushing against periodontal disease.

Using Dental Floss to Prevent Tooth Decay

Although flossing might not be your favorite activity, it is critical for the health and well-being of your teeth, tooth enamel, gum line, gum tissue, and overall dental health. Tooth decay occurs when food particles are left between the teeth and not fully removed from the mouth. Using dental floss to remove the food particles and then a toothbrush and toothpaste for proper brushing (gently brush the teeth) decreases the likelihood of decay.

Regular brushing and good flossing techniques work together in the act of removing plaque from the natural enamel, getting your breath smelling fresher, and having a mouth healthier than before.

Reasons to Floss in the Morning

Our patients ask us all the time if they should be flossing at night or in the morning. Most people know that they should gently brush their teeth with a toothbrush with rotating or oscillating heads at least twice per day to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. However, flossing is also necessary to prevent periodontal disease.

Ideally, patients should be flossing to remove interdental plaque at least once per day. Some dentists believe it is best before bed, and others think it should be in the morning. Here are some reasons to add morning flossing to your routine:

  • For many, the morning is already a dedicated time for hygiene: getting ready for the rest of the day with a shower, shave, teeth cleaning, hair brushing/styling, makeup application, and other aspects of the morning routine. That means it would be easy to add a few minutes to this routine for proper flossing.
  • You are well rested from a good night’s sleep: It is important that your flossing routine is done with your eyes wide open and paying full attention. If you are tired after a long day, you may not be willing to take more time away from sleep to floss fully. After a solid night’s rest, though, you will feel refreshed and be able to devote your complete attention to flossing.
  • Extra minty freshness: If you are using dental tape that is mint flavored, flossing in the morning will provide you with extra minty freshness to start your day. Most toothpaste flavors are mint, so flossing along with your morning brushing will give your mouth that added kick of minty freshness while you also remove any food particles you may have missed brushing the night before.
  • Substitute flossing for your morning coffee: Flossing can substitute for your morning coffee when you want to wake yourself up (including your mouth). It is better for the natural enamel found on your teeth and will wake you up as you pay close attention to what you are doing.

If you or your family members need help or advice regarding proper flossing, contact our dental professionals in Edmonton.

Reasons to Floss at Night

  • Removes Daily Buildup: Throughout the day, food particles and plaque accumulate between your teeth. Flossing at night removes these remnants, preventing plaque from hardening into tartar overnight.
  • Prevents Bacteria Growth: The warm, moist environment of your mouth is ideal for bacterial growth, especially overnight. By flossing before bed, you reduce the number of bacteria that can proliferate while you sleep.
  • Reduces Risk of Gum Disease: Consistent nighttime flossing helps reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis by keeping the spaces between your teeth clean and free from harmful bacteria.
  • Promotes Better Breath: Removing food particles and bacteria at night helps prevent bad breath in the morning, ensuring you wake up with a fresher mouth.
  • Enhances Overall Oral Hygiene: Flossing at night complements brushing and enhances your overall oral hygiene routine, providing a thorough cleaning before your teeth and gums rest overnight.
  • Prepares for Dental Treatments: If you have ongoing dental treatments, nighttime flossing ensures your mouth is as clean as possible, helping to avoid complications and support healing.
  • Establishes a Relaxing Routine: Including flossing in your bedtime routine can be a relaxing ritual, signaling your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
  • Maximizes Fluoride Effectiveness: Flossing before brushing at night ensures that the fluoride in your toothpaste reaches all areas of your teeth, enhancing its protective effects while you sleep.

Contact Our Dentists and Dental Hygienists to Prevent Gum Disease

Daily flossing as part of your morning routine offers numerous benefits, including preventing bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss from decay. It also helps avoid complex dental procedures.

At Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic in Edmonton, AB, we teach proper brushing and gentle flossing techniques. Our dedicated Canadian dental team helps patients maintain healthy teeth and prevent periodontal problems.

We prioritize patient comfort and aim to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Our clinic offers restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family at affordable prices.

For more information on the benefits of flossing or how to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas, contact Dr. Molly Rogers and Associates Dental Clinic.  Schedule an appointment in our Edmonton, AB, clinic.

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