Soft, Medium, or Hard Bristles, How to choose the right toothbrush?
How to choose the right toothbrush? I’m we all at one point of time have got this question and we have had difficulty in deciding the right toothbrush for us and our families.
Brushing teeth is crucial to good dental health. It is foremost to use the proper type of toothbrush to maintain your oral health. Are you aware that the bristle type you choose must depend upon your oral health circumstances? You should choose your toothbrush bristle type to suit your requirements. This may depend on whether you have sensitive gums, sensitive teeth, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Let’s take a closer look…
We all use comfortable things! The same way a soft-bristled toothbrush is one such thing that is comfortable on the teeth while brushing! Most of us even think about why hard-bristled toothbrushes are there in the market when many choose to buy only soft-bristled ones.
There is a reason for the existence of three different bristles; let’s determine which amongst the three bristles is best to buy and how to choose the right toothbrush
Types of toothbrush bristles
The bristles on toothbrushes have different strengths and benefits, read below to understand them well!
Soft Bristle Toothbrush:
Dentists often recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes as they are gentle on the teeth and gums whilst able to remove the plaque and bacteria. Children and adults often use soft-bristled toothbrushes as they will not cause any irritation to the gums. Hence, these toothbrushes are advised for cleaning the gum line as there is no discomfort or bleeding. Using soft-bristled toothbrushes is suitable for people of all ages.
Medium Bristle Toothbrush:
Medium toothbrushes are a popular choice as they are not so soft or hard; they aren’t much different from soft-bristled brushes. They are said to be a popular choice because people feel comfortable using it on the teeth, and due to the perception that they are better at cleaning the teeth. However, when used incorrectly, a medium bristled toothbrush can wear away the tooth enamel. Adding to it, it cannot be used for thorough cleaning of gum line because these kinds of brushes are too abrasive on the soft gum tissue and could lead to gum line bleeding or inflammation. Hence, close attention is needed when medium bristled brushes are worked out on gums.
Hard Bristle Toothbrush:
Hard bristled toothbrushes are not recommended for daily use, these brushes are very uncomfortable to use, but there is the reason why some people still use these brushes, these toothbrushes are effective for stain removal or denture cleaning. People with stains on their teeth most likely use hard-bristled toothbrushes to remove the stains on their teeth. Likewise, cleaning them is a tedious task for those who use dentures, so using a hard-bristled toothbrush is a perfect option then.
Everyday use of hard bristle toothbrushes can be harmful to the teeth. Brushing hard with these brushes can wear the enamel off and damage the gum lining. However, using them occasionally for stain removal or denture cleaning is advisable.
How to choose the right toothbrush?
Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes must be used very cautiously. The most recommended toothbrush of choice by dentists-and the one most likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy without causing any damage is nothing but a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Soft-bristle toothbrushes are often recommended by dental professionals because, as learned in the above context, too much pressure or hard brushing can show negative effects on your gums and tooth enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristled toothbrushes for harmless cleaning of teeth. You might feel that your toothbrush is too soft and is ineffective in plaque removal, then follow the below options:
- Angled bristles to enter nooks and crannies
- Electric toothbrush for extra oomph
- Multiple layered bristles
Powered toothbrushes usually come with soft bristles because the rotation and vibration tend to add extra pressure to your teeth without needing firm bristles. if you are thinking about how to choose the right toothbrush, we suggest you also consider an electric toothbrush as an option as they offer superior cleaning compared to hand brushes and also cause minimal damage to the tooth enamel and gums
We suggest you read this article about electric toothbrushes, their types, and their benefits
You should choose a type of toothbrush that is easy and comfortable to use at least twice a day. There are multiple options between manual and electric toothbrushes. However, dentists recommend choosing soft-bristled toothbrushes, especially if you tend to push harder against your teeth. More pressure can cause gum loss, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity which might then start to damage the tooth enamel and tissues surrounding your teeth.
If you feel like your teeth are not getting thoroughly cleaned with your toothbrush, talk to your dentist and understand how to choose the right toothbrush for you.
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