Floss after you brush, not before
People who flossed right after brushing their teeth built a stronger habit than people who flossed before brushing.
Where a new habit sits in a routine can make a difference. People who flossed right after brushing built a stronger flossing habit than people who flossed before.
The study
This was an exploratory study of 50 people who all received the same encouragement to start flossing. Half were asked to floss before brushing their teeth and half after. They logged their flossing daily, and the researchers measured how automatic it felt after four weeks and again after eight months. Those who flossed after brushing tended to form stronger habits, and at eight months they had stronger habits and flossed more often. The authors call for more rigorous studies to confirm it.
Starting small
A new habit can ride along with an old one. Placing it right after something you already do every day gives it a clear and steady cue.