Flossing is a commonly overlooked way to keep your gums healthy. Most of us have been in the habit of brushing twice a day since childhood, but many have let flossing fall to the wayside. Sometimes it is replaced by mouthwash, however that is not really an acceptable substitute. Below, I’ll highlight why flossing is important and what you can to do maintain a healthy regimen that includes it.

Floss is by far the cheapest part of a healthy dental care program. Most dental floss costs only a few dollars, and a roll can last over a month. It’s widely available, even in some gas station convenience stores. You can find it next to the toothpaste in many different flavors, most minty. There are even kids dental floss brands available with friendlier flavors like cherry and bubblegum.

Flossing should ideally be done twice a day, but at least once (at night). This will prevent plaque from forming between your teeth and turning into calculus (also known as tartar). The more often you floss, you will also begin to develop your gums. This will make them tougher and less prone to inflammation from some foods or brushing too hard. If you have particularly close together teeth, over time they will shift just enough to allow the floss to pass through; the mouth is a somewhat pliable place, it seems.

To floss properly, draw out about five to six inches of dental floss. Wrap two ends around each of your index fingers, and start at the back of the mouth. Place the floss in between the teeth and push down with your fingers until it goes in between. Slide it forward and backward and side to side until you can feel it rub both sides of the teeth and the gums. Draw it out and wash it off if necessary in a running sink, and repeat with each tooth.

If you have braces or permanent retainers, you may need a special tool which is like a sewing needle. With this you will thread it through so there are almost equal portions on each end. Then, thread it through the teeth under the retainer or braces and pull one end through. Now you have a piece of floss on each end and you can use it like normal.

If you are experiencing pain while you floss, you may need to visit a dentist. A family dentist can usually quickly reduce inflammation in the mouth and put you on a dental regimen which will lead to a happy, healthy mouth.