About one third of Americans brush their teeth either too long or not long enough. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes, using a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging your gums. You also shouldn’t press too hard on the toothbrush. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes at a 45-degree angle. Brush your teeth twice a day, as it helps remove most of the plaque and food debris, keeping your teeth white and healthy.