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Have you established a good flossing habit? If so, congratulations! Seriously—according to at least one study, you’re among a minority of Americans taking proper care of their teeth.

Flossing is hugely important. Why? It’s simple, really: Flossing gets at the smallest, hardest-to-reach crevices in your mouth—the places where cavities are most likely to develop.

It’s key to preventing gum disease and tooth loss, not to mention it could save you a ton of money on dental surgery. Think about that for a second: A little $2 container of floss and 3-5 minutes per day could save you a bill for tens of thousands of dollars a few years down the road (and a lot of discomfort).

Here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the most out of your flossing routine:

• Use whatever works. Old-school ribbon floss, one of those Y-shaped holders—there are a lot of ways to get into those hard-to-reach areas. Ask your dentist and hygienist if there’s a particular one that’s right for you.
• Work the floss between your teeth gently, in a sort of sawing motion. You don’t want to just jab it in there and risk damaging your gums.
• Once you’re in, pull the floss sideways and scrape off the insides of your teeth in an up-and-down motion.
• Don’t forget the very back of your last tooth! A lot of gunk can build up there, and a lot of people forget it since it’s in the back.

Don’t get us wrong—flossing is a chore. But it’s one of the most important ones you’ll engage in all day.