Admit it — brushing your teeth is so second nature you barely think about it. But doing it right is a key part of good oral health, and it can help you avoid cavities and gum disease.

Brush up on your skills with these easy-to-follow tips.

1. Choose the Right Tool
Do you have the right toothbrush? Think about the size of your mouth.

“If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big,”

Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to do a better job, especially if you have arthritis or other trouble with your hands, arms, or shoulders.

“If we see someone having issues with the manual (toothbrush), introducing an electric brush has excellent results,” Sesemann says.