How you brush is important! Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, focusing on the area where your gums and teeth meet. Then brush in a circular motion instead of the traditional back-and-forth. You want firm, constant pressure, but don’t press too hard. This will ruin your toothbrush quickly and won’t get your teeth any cleaner. In addition to how you brush, what you brush with also matters. If your toothbrush is more than three months old, throw it away and buy a new one. Replacing your toothbrush often will prevent nasty bacteria from building up and hopping into your mouth each time you brush.