If you’re shopping for a new toothbrush, you may find yourself wandering up and down the dental care aisle trying to make the best decision. Should you choose a soft, medium, or hard-bristled toothbrush?
You know that your dental hygiene is important, but did you know that dental health can even be affected by the type of toothbrush you’re using? Some people want to use either medium or hard toothbrushes, thinking they will remove plaque and debris more effectively. At My Family Dentistry, we recommend that both adults and children use soft toothbrushes – and here’s why.
Hard vs. Soft Toothbrush
Hard and medium toothbrushes have thicker bristles that can scrape away your tooth enamel and damage your teeth, not to mention push back your gums.
Both hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing your teeth too hard can lead to receding gums, which can cause sensitivity and even cavities. If your gums bleed when you brush, this may be a sign that your toothbrush is too harsh and may be cutting into your gums.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft toothbrushes and advises that they are safer on your teeth and gums. While shopping for your soft toothbrush, make sure to choose one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal ensures that the toothbrush has been tested and can remove plaque without harming your mouth.
Benefits of a Soft Toothbrush
There are many benefits to brushing your teeth regularly with a soft brush. It’s best to choose a soft toothbrush with nylon bristles. Nylon bristles can eliminate stress on the teeth or gums so you can maintain your dental health.
Benefits of buying a soft toothbrush include:
- They make it difficult to brush your teeth too hard
- They’re more gentle on your gums
- They help prevent receding gums and the exposure of tooth roots
- They have flexible bristles to curve around tooth and gums
- They can get into tooth and gum crevices
- They help preserve tooth enamel
Once you choose the right soft toothbrush, it’s still important to know how best to brush your teeth. Side-to-side vigorous brushing can really irritate your gums.
If you find that your gums are in pain or receding, ask yourself “Am I brushing too hard?” To properly brush your teeth, start at the back and brush in gentle circles moving to the front of your mouth.
Want to know more? We would be happy to recommend the right toothbrush for you, and check on the health of you gums and tooth enamel.
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