Hell, nowadays, toothpaste brands are turning to YouTube stars to encourage kids to brush properly.

But we should at least be doing it correctly, lest we risk doing more harm than good.

The bristles need to be able to bend, to kind of get right under that gum."

Woman brushing her teeth

Dentist Maricelle Abayon agreed, saying, “Soft bristles clean very effectively, more than the hard bristles.

The hard bristles actually can wear down your tooth structure.”

Plaque is often loose, so think massage rather than scrub.

Woman brushing her teeth

You should be brushing for two minutes minimum, twice a day.

So you’re kind of helping the acid erode away your tooth."

Wait about 20 minutes after eating before brushing, just to be safe.

toothbrushes with toothpaste

While toothpaste is all about preference, one with fluoride protects teeth against cavities and also prevents decay.

Repeat on each section of your mouth.

And don’t forget to brush the backs of your front teeth.

Woman using mouthwash

It’s also important to rinse your mouth out thoroughly.