Dental flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing and brushing both get rid of bacteria that cling to teeth and cause tooth decay (not to mention bad breath). Regular brushing is a must, but it won’t clean out the bacteria hiding in those narrow spaces between your teeth. Regular flossing will. The American Dental Association recommends at least once per day.

True, regular flossing is a chore. If you need motivation, remember that over time, the bacteria hiding out between your teeth, if undisturbed, will turn into hard-to-remove tartar. Tartar irritates and inflames the gums and eventually leads to serious conditions that inflame and weaken the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth. In short, flossing keeps your teeth from falling out.

If you avoid flossing because of discomfort, you might be surprised to see how many types of dental floss are available these days — waxed, unwaxed, flavored, flat, rounded, floss on string, floss mounted in holders. Waxed floss is more durable than the unwaxed variety, but is harder to work in between tightly spaced teeth. If you’re not sure which variety is right for you, check with your dentist.

Flossing is not just for adults. Children should begin flossing (with adult supervision) around the age of 2 to 3. Starting the dental floss habit early may be the best way to prevent serious decay and gum issues decades later.