Brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and night, is a ritual for most Americans. But could you be doing it wrong? We’ve covered five of the most common bad brushing habits so that you can make sure you are up to par with your pearly whites.

1. Not brushing long enough

Most people bush their teeth for only a minute, but experts say you need at least two minutes to eliminate the entire bacterial film in your mouth. Nowadays many electronic toothbrushes have timers. To ensure you are getting to two minutes, time yourself! You may need two cycles of the automatic setting.

2. Being right-winged

Many dentists have seen that right handed people tend to clean the right side of their teeth better and left handers the left side. Make sure you are giving equal attention to both sides, no matter which hand you brush with. Don’t ignore the gum line either – that’s where the most tartar and plaque buildup.

3. Using a side-to-side motion

A side-to-side or sawing motion can actually hurt the enamel of your teeth. Use a circular motion instead!

4. Being a bully

Be gentle but energetic while brushing. Scrubbing with a heavy hand can also damage the enamel or irritate your gums.

5. Too much whitening

Whitening toothpastes can do a great job of reducing stains on the teeth. However, they can be rough on the enamel of your teeth since they contain harsh and abrasive ingredients. Instead of only whitening toothpaste, set a schedule for yourself. Use whitening in the morning and regular at night, or use the whitening toothpaste for two weeks and then the regular for two weeks.

With these helpful tips, we know you’ll be better equipped to tackle that plaque and protect your teeth!