However, if you don't know how to brush properly, you can do as much damage to your precious teeth and gums as if you never brushed at all.

Toothbrushes that are made from the wrong material, in the wrong shape or used the wrong way can seriously damage your teeth, so it's a good idea to find how to do it right.

Toothbrushes should be made from soft, rounded synthetic or natural fibers.

The ADA recommends only those toothbrushes marked as "soft" since harder bristles can start rubbing important dental enamel away, which in the end only speeds up cavity formation and can contribute to periodontal disease.

Toothbrushes should be replaced fairly frequently, either every two months or when the bristles start to bow outwards, whichever comes first.

Once you have your toothbrush, put the bottom edge at a forty-five degree angle to your gums and brush in an "up and down" motion on both the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth. The objective here is not to brush your gums, just your teeth. Of course, get the top surfaces as well. Use the tip of the brush to get the inner surfaces of the front teeth, and finish by brushing your tongue. This last step seriously helps in removing halitosis and cavity causing bacteria.

Flossing is an important part of a daily tooth care regimen, but should be approached carefully as well.

Always floss before brushing, as flossing pushes out food particles and plaque where the toothbrush can sweep them away.

Only use floss marked as such, as substituting thread or string can be quite damaging to your teeth.

Once you have a good grasp on a length of floss, push it gently down between your teeth and wipe up and down the sides of both teeth once. Just once, only once, don't go sawing away at the sides of your teeth with the floss.

If you're just starting to floss after a long absence from the practice, your gums may bleed a bit at first, especially if you currently suffer from a mild gum infection.

Be especially gentle while the bleeding is a problem, and hold off for a few days if the bleeding or discomfort starts getting excessive, but don't give up.

Even if you currently suffer from mild infections or cavities, creating a dental hygiene habit is an important step in a permanent cure.

Toothpaste comes in both paste and gel form, and is used to help clean teeth.

Flouride is one of the most common additives in toothpaste, serving to chemically strengthen the teeth on a daily basis.

Some varieties of toothpaste also offer to improve aesthetic appeal by whitening dental enamel or fighting bad breath.

Toothpaste is rarely used alone, you almost always find it meant for use with a toothbrush. While toothpaste can help fight plaque and remove food particles, it is not a necessary tool in tooth brushing.

With the appropriate tools and techniques, brushing your teeth is both the best and cheapest method out there for keeping your pearly whites healthy throughout a long and drill-free life.