Are you an overachiever when it comes to toothbrushing?

Brushing too long or too hard can damage both tooth enamel and gums -- and it isn't any better at removing plaque than gentler, shorter bouts. The best advice: Brush for 2-3 minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using short, gentle strokes. Be sure to brush along the gum line, and give your tongue a quick once-over, too, for fresh breath.

If you're not sure of your toothbrushing technique, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for pointers at your next visit. The classic approach is to divide your mouth into four sections -- upper left and right, lower left and right -- and spend about 30 seconds on the teeth in each area, then lightly brush along the gum line and over the tongue.

No sense of time? Suspect you're overdoing it? Try an electric toothbrush. Many now have built-in timers, and some also come with sensors that automatically turn the brush off when too much pressure is applied.