There are many mistakes most people make when brushing their teeth. Usually these bad habits were formed when we were kids because our parents didn’t know they were teaching us the wrong way. Don’t pass along the tradition to your kids and read up on the following ways to clean your teeth properly.

First, you could be using the wrong type of brush. When you step foot in the tooth aisle of any store, you come across an overwhelming amount of brush options for your teeth. Where do you start when making your decision?

One feature that you must use with any brush, manual or electric, is the bristles must be soft. Soft bristles bend more easily, which allows for more areas on your teeth to be reached. The soft option is especially important for reaching near the gum line where bacteria loves to build up. Removing the plaque can prevent gum disease and possible tooth decay.

Some people do believe that hard bristles clean your teeth better because you can scrub their surfaces harder. However, hard bristles are harmful to your teeth because they wear down your enamel. Also, manual or electric doesn’t matter. When it comes to this feature, buy what you prefer.

What does matter is the head size of your tooth brush. Find a brush with a head size that fits to the size of your mouth. Some people have smaller mouths, while others have larger ones. There is a brush out there that’s fit for your mouth.

Second, you are much too hard on your teeth. As mentioned before, harder isn’t better, it is worse for your teeth. Even with the soft bristles, you can apply too much force when brushing and damage your enamel.

People think that the bacteria on their teeth is like the dirt on your bathtub. You have to put some muscle into it to remove the unwanted germs and stains. However, plaque is soft and sits loosely on the surface of your teeth. To avoid damage, think of brushing your teeth as massaging, not scrubbing.

Third, don’t be in such a rush to get the job done. Two minutes for your two times a day is a necessary time frame to adequately clean your teeth. Most people leave this step in their morning routine in the last few moments before they walk out the door and don’t save enough time to brush for two minutes.

Try to make enough time to get your full two minutes in. Either set the timer on your phone or play a song that’s between 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll definitely meet the required time and have fun while doing so.

Fourth, you’re keeping the same tooth brush for much too long. Three to four months is a good rule to stand by. Take note though if the bristles start to fray or discoloration starts to appear. Those are signs to retire the old and hire the new.

Fifth, don’t brush in a back and forth motion. Brushing in this pattern is another way you’ll damage your teeth. You’ll want to move up and down starting from the gum in circular motions for an effective cleaning job.

Sixth, don’t forget any area of your teeth, including the gum line. The gum line is where most bacteria like to hang out, so it is very important to put a lot of focus in this area when brushing.

Using the up and down circular motion we just discussed will pull the plaque off the gum line. Just make sure to start at the gum line and move upward. Tilting your brush at a forty-five-degree angle against your gum makes that motion even more effective.

Another area of the tooth people forget is the inside, the part facing the tongue. There are gum lines on this side of the tooth too where bacteria are stored as well. Remember to cover all the surfaces of the tooth to avoid more serious oral issues.

Seventh, don’t brush too soon after a meal or drinking anything that’s not water. Most food and liquids we consume are acidic and do erode your teeth. However, applying an abrasive with an acid will help the destruction process and cause a more severe case of erosion.

Wait fifteen to twenty minutes before picking up the brush. Give the saliva in your mouth time to wash away the acid left on your teeth. If you can’t wait, you can use water to rinse your teeth.

Last, make sure to use all your teeth cleaning resources at least once out of your two times a day. Brushing your teeth won’t remove enough of the bacteria from your mouth to keep it safe from possible disease. Adding flossing and mouthwash to the regimen at least once a day would be sufficient.

Bad habits and instilling good ones is always a difficult task. Make a short version of this list and hang it on your bathroom mirror to help you remember. And while your brushing think of what you are doing for yourself and for your children’s health in the long run.