Soft, Medium or Hard Bristle Toothbrushes: Which is the Best? - Active Dental (2024)

When going to the store to choose a new toothbrush, most people lean towards thetoothbrusheswith the soft heads because it feels better on the teeth and the surrounding gums. However, most people wonder why the medium and hard brushes even exist if so many people buy the soft ones. There is a reason that three different varieties of bristles exist. Today, we will go over each one to determine which is the best choice when buying a new toothbrush.

Hard toothbrushes:

It may seem pointless even to purchase a toothbrush that has hard bristles as the head, but there are reasons behind these uncomfortable toothbrushes. While hard bristled toothbrushes aren’t typically recommended for everyday use, they can be beneficial towards things such as stain removal cleanings or denture cleanings. Because the average person has some stains on the teeth, it is most likely that having the option to use a harder toothbrush will come in handy when they are trying to remove stains. Dentures can be challenging to get clean, so having a hard toothbrush to use on them is perfect because there won’t be any actual harm done to the gums.

Everyday use of hard toothbrushes can be dangerous to the teeth. Brushing too hard can cause wear on the enamel of each tooth or damage to the gum lining. Avoid using hard toothbrushes every day, but don’t hesitate to use them occasionally for stain removal or denture cleaning.

Medium toothbrushes

Medium toothbrushes are an excellent in-between texture for healthy teeth cleaning. The bristles are stiff enough that they efficiently clean the teeth of plaque and built up food particles, but they aren’t too hard where they can cause damage to the enamel. However, if the bristles do brush against the gums too hard or too often, they may cause the gums to bleed. Medium toothbrushes provide benefits to teeth cleaning itself but are prepared to pay close attention to the gums when brushing.

Soft toothbrushes

Lastly, soft toothbrushes seem to be the most comfortable toothbrush for everybody. They aren’t too rough on the gums or on the teeth itself. However, this can also be seen as a disadvantage. If the bristles are too soft, they may not properly scrub the teeth of plaque or built up foods, which is the whole point of using a toothbrush. On the other hand, soft toothbrushes are also ideal for children which medium and hard would not be because they can be too rough. Using a soft-headed toothbrush is suitable for people of all ages, so long as the person using it, does so efficiently enough to cleanse their teeth.

While toothbrushes are an everyday necessity, there are a few different kinds that can be used based on the need. A good everyday brush would be a soft or medium headed one to ensure proper cleaning, but also comfort. If dentures are apart of the daily routine then investing in a harder bristled one would be smart. What children do best with soft brushes as the head won’t irritate their gums, while people with stained teeth may want to look into a harder bristled brush to scrub away the stains.

If you’re still curious about the best toothbrush to use, then feel free to give us a call. Our trained experts will be able to assist you in choosing the best type of toothbrush.

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Soft, Medium or Hard Bristle Toothbrushes: Which is the Best? - Active Dental (2024)

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Soft, Medium or Hard Bristle Toothbrushes: Which is the Best? - Active Dental? ›

Dental professionals recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because too much pressure or overzealous brushing can negatively impact the enamel and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles to ensure an excellent clean without harming your teeth.

Do dentists recommend soft or medium toothbrushes? ›

Nearly all dentists recommend a soft bristle toothbrush. In fact, if you can pick a toothbrush with extra soft bristles, it is even more beneficial. This is because a brush with soft bristles won't harm your gums and cause bleeding or irritation.

Should I get a hard or medium toothbrush? ›

If you have sensitive teeth or gum disease, a soft toothbrush may be best for you. If you have healthy teeth and gums and want a toothbrush that is effective at removing plaque and food particles, a medium or hard toothbrush may be a better choice.

Which type of toothbrush is recommended by dental professionals? ›

Although toothbrushes with medium bristles have been shown to be effective at biofilm removal, the ADA recommends use of a toothbrush with soft bristles because they minimize the risk of gingival abrasion.

Do medium bristle toothbrushes work? ›

Medium strength bristles may clean more effectively than softer ones that may push out or bend. This kind of bristle can be harsh on gums if pressure is too heavily applied when brushing.

Should I get a medium or firm toothbrush? ›

Toothbrush Bristle Types

As a general rule, however, dentists recommend choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles, instead of one considered hard or even medium. If you have sensitive teeth and signs of enamel erosion, your dentist might even suggest a brush with extra-soft bristles.

Is a soft or medium toothbrush better for receding gums? ›

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are generally recommended for those with receding gums or gingivitis because they are gentler and less likely to contribute to further recession. However, it's important to note that proper brushing technique is just as crucial as the bristle type.

Which toothbrush removes the most plaque? ›

Top 3 Toothbrushes For Plaque Removal
  • Dr. Brite Sonic Toothbrush-White. ...
  • Philips Sonicare 3 Series Gum Health Electric Toothbrush. It easily and effectively sweeps away plaque and leaves your mouth fresh all day or night. ...
  • The Nimbus Microfine Toothbrush.
Dec 28, 2022

What toothbrush is best for preventing cavities? ›

"I always recommend that everyone uses soft bristle toothbrushes," says Dr. Horowitz. Not only do soft bristles clean just as well as more rigid bristles, but they also help prevent complications to the teeth and gums.

What toothbrush is best for periodontal disease? ›

Any soft-bristled toothbrush that has an ADA seal of acceptance will work wonders for your oral hygiene. If you have dexterity issues or tend to be a hard brusher, an electric toothbrush can be a great choice for you as their oscillating features do the hard work for you!

Is a soft bristle brush better than a hard bristle brush? ›

However, dentists' consensus is to choose soft-bristled toothbrushes, especially if you tend to push harder against your teeth. More pressure does not equal cleaner teeth, and in fact, can cause gum loss, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity. It may start to damage the enamel and tissues around your teeth.

Is it OK to use a hard bristle toothbrush? ›

Everyday use of hard toothbrushes can be dangerous to the teeth. Brushing too hard can cause wear on the enamel of each tooth or damage to the gum lining. Avoid using hard toothbrushes every day, but don't hesitate to use them occasionally for stain removal or denture cleaning.

Why is soft bristle toothbrush better? ›

A soft-bristle toothbrush has less densely packed bristles, which allows the bristles to bend easily when you brush your teeth, making it gentler on your teeth and gums. The soft bristles also make it easier to clean your teeth because they can reach areas of your teeth hard bristles make difficult to clean.

What is the best toothbrush for braces soft or medium? ›

The ideal toothbrush for braces will have soft bristles and a small head. It should feel comfortable in your hand and fit in your mouth without trouble.. You'll also want to use a fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities.

Should I get a soft or medium toothbrush for my 11 year old? ›

First and foremost, regardless of your child's age, make sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles remove plaque effectively, but are gentler on your child's delicate gums and teeth than medium or hard bristles.

Is a soft or hard toothbrush better for gum disease? ›

Since gingival recession results from tooth brushing, many periodontists recommend the use of toothbrushes with medium or soft nylon bristles due to lower epithelial trauma they induce.

Does toothbrush softness matter? ›

Technically, yes—a hard bristle will scrape away more plaque. However, it also scrapes away at your tooth enamel and your gums. Soft bristles can actually remove plaque even more effectively, because they are more flexible and can bend and contour to your teeth.

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