Having a million-dollar smile isn’t everything. But it’s a start. And more importantly: it keeps the dentist and his evil drilling tools safely away from your mouth.

The good news is that, for most of us, maintaining a healthy smile only takes a few minutes a day. We’ve broken it down for you in this article. Read on to learn the simple best practices for dental hygiene.

Brush!

This isn’t hard. And we are sure you do it already. But there are a few less obvious tips to make sure you are brushing as effectively as possible.

First, make sure you are brushing at least twice a day, if not after each meal. This prevents the buildup of acid and bacteria after you eat. If you aren’t able to brush that often, at least try to rinse out your mouth to get rid of the food particles bacteria would be attracted to. Additionally, remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to get rid of bacteria that might cause bad breath.

Floss!

While flossing is not terribly popular, it is a must for anybody who wishes to practices dental hygiene best practices. When food particles stay between your teeth for too long, they attract bacteria and build up plaque. This is bad for your teeth, bad for your breath, and bad news for anybody you talk to or smile at. Dentists recommend flossing at least once per day.

Rinse!

The last part of your brushing routine is a rinse with mouthwash. While your teeth will probably be okay without this step, the added bacterial protection can help strengthen your teeth and keep your breath fresh.

It’s simple to keep your smile fresh and healthy. Along with this routine, try to limit the amount of sugar, coffee and tobacco you consume. All of those items can lead to staining, tooth decay and enamel wear.