Ask a dozen people whether they know how to brush their teeth, and if they're over age 2, odds are they'll say, "Of course." They might even be offended that you questioned their ability. After all, how hard can using a toothbrush and toothpaste be?

Turns out it's a bit more complicated than many people think.

Teeth Brushing Basics: What You Need to Know Now

Good oral hygiene is crucial to keeping a healthy smile and mouth. The secret is making sure you're brushing correctly.

• Put in the time. "Patients generally think they're brushing longer than they actually are," says Robert Roesch, DDS, a spokesman for the Academy of General Dentistry. "Most people spend less than a minute. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes."
• Choose your toothbrush carefully. Toothbrushes are not one-size-fits-all. Make sure it's not too big and can get to all parts of your mouth. Soft bristles are important for dental health.

Manual and electric toothbrushes can both work well, says Shehzad Sheikh, DMD, a dentist at Dominion Dental Care in Sterling, Va. However, he prefers electric toothbrushes for one simple reason - not because electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning but because they have timers. "The timers allow the user to brush without thinking about how long they are brushing," he says. "At the end of two minutes the toothbrush just stops vibrating or rotating."

• Pick a double-duty toothpaste. Look for toothpaste with fluoride to help make teeth stronger and keep decay at bay.
• Perfect your technique. "Using a back-and-forth sawing motion causes the gums to recede and can expose the root of the tooth, making teeth extremely sensitive," says Dr. Roesch. "Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle in a circular motion." All three sides of the teeth (outside, inside, and chewing surfaces) should be given careful attention. The insides of the front teeth can be brushed in an up-and-down motion.
• Don't forget your tongue. Brushing the tongue can decrease odor-causing bacteria that build up and can freshen your breath.
• Flossing is essential. Nonetheless, this step often gets ignored. Food can get caught between teeth and be impossible for a toothbrush alone to remove. Once stuck, the food particles can lead to cavity-causing bacteria, so flossing at least once a day is necessary. The first time you floss may cause some bleeding and irritation, but it's important not to give up. The gums will toughen up, and overall mouth health will improve.
• Mouthwash offers benefits. "Mouthwashes can help remove food particles before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste," says Roesch.
• Change your toothbrush regularly. It's easy to forget to switch out a toothbrush, but it should be replaced every three to four months. Not only are worn bristles not as effective, but they can also harbor harmful bacteria that can lead to infection. That's why you should replace your toothbrush any time you've been sick.

Besides protecting a bright smile, good oral hygiene can lead to better overall health. In addition to brushing correctly, be sure to eat a healthy diet and see your dentist for regular checkups.