You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If possible, three times a day is ideal.

Any more than that and you risk wearing down the enamel (that hard outer surface that serves as the surface of your teeth) and damaging your gums.

If possible, brush your teeth soon after eating. This way you can remove the bacteria that attacks your tooth enamel.

Depending on your diet, however, you may need to wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush. This is because certain food and drinks contain acids that weaken tooth enamel. (Be especially cautious with soda, sports drinks, and acidic fruits and juices.) If you brush too soon, you might actually remove part of the enamel.

You should hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, using short strokes moving up and down. Be sure to brush both the inside and outside of the teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. You don’t need to brush hard; gentle strokes are enough to remove bacteria-containing plaque.

And don’t forget that daily flossing should be part of your of your oral health routine.

Be sure to take at least two minutes every time you brush.

Brushing for two minutes will initially seem long if you haven’t been in the habit. You might try imagining your mouth as four sections; then, spend 30 seconds brushing each section. Also, switch up where you begin brushing every week or so, to make sure you’re not neglecting any part of the mouth. (We tend to get lazy towards the end of brushing.)

Make it fun – listen to a song or watch TV to pass the time.

Your toothbrush should be switched out every three to four months. Pay attention to the appearance of the brush; if bristles fray, become stiff, or break, make sure to replace as soon as possible.

You should have a dental professional clean your teeth at least twice a year; if you have specific oral health concerns, you may need cleanings even more frequently. This is because a dentist or dental hygienist has special tools to remove the hard deposits that form on and in between your teeth that can’t be removed by normal brushing and flossing.