Tooth brushing mistake number 2. The correct way to brush your teeth is in circles – don't go back and forth. Circular motions are more gentle and effective at cleaning the gaps between the teeth. The toothbrush should make contact with both the teeth and the gumline. Use a lighter touch, don’t press down too hard. Wide side-to-side strokes can scrape the soft tissue lining between your teeth and gums. Improve your oral hygiene by tilting your brush vertically behind the front and bottom teeth and use gentle rolling strokes using just the front half of the brush. Avoid brushing so hard that the bristles bend on your teeth. This can cause something called as toothbrush abrasion. The enamel at the junction of the gums and teeth are particularly thinnest. Hence they get worn . .out very easily causing sensitivity and pain. Avoid brushing too long Use a soft bristle tooth brush Use gentle circular motions while brushing to save your enamel.