Most people brush their teeth at least twice a day, but the act of brushing alone isn’t enough to ensure clean teeth and healthy gums. There are several mistakes people make when it comes to dental hygiene, and developing an improper brushing technique is just one of many. Brushing your teeth incorrectly can almost cause just as many problems as if you periodically skip brushing. So make sure you avoid the following mistakes to get the most out of your brushing sessions.

While many people brush their teeth once or twice a day, three times is truly ideal. If you can brush after every meal, or at least floss, you can be sure that no food lingers between your teeth, and plaque will have very little chance to build up. In addition to how many times you brush your teeth, you should also be mindful of how long each brushing takes. In general, aim for about two minutes.

Whether or not brushing your teeth is actually effective largely comes down to the type of toothbrush you are using. Make sure you don’t have one that is too big or small for your mouth, and if possible, replace the brush every few months. If you’re having a tough time cleaning a few areas of your teeth, you may want to purchase an electric toothbrush.

Finally, although brushing is incredibly important, don’t go too far. Excessive brushing can actually have a reverse effect by wearing away the enamel on your teeth. If you notice your gums are bleeding afterwards, you may also be brushing a bit too hard. This can actually lead to significant problems so save the strength training for the gym.

Follow these tips and you can expect whiter, cleaner teeth and an overall healthier mouth!