Soft Vs. Hard Toothbrush: Which One Should You Use? (2024)

FAQs

Soft Vs. Hard Toothbrush: Which One Should You Use? ›

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.

Soft toothbrushes are actually more effective at removing food and plaque build-up than hard-bristle toothbrushes, and they are gentler on your teeth and gums.

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.

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.

Hard toothbrushes are not recommended for everyday use on natural teeth because they can be too hard on gums and tooth enamel. Occasional use for stain removal will not cause harm. This type of toothbrush may be beneficial for cleaning dentures or partial teeth that are stained by foods and/or drinks.

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.

And stains sink deep into tooth enamel; they're not limited to the surface. The real answer to “why do they make toothbrushes with hard bristles?” comes down to consumer preference. Many people report that their teeth feel cleaner or they just “feel better” when they use a hard-bristled brush as opposed to a soft one.

As a general rule, a soft toothbrush is best. They are gentler on your teeth and gums, therefore less likely to cause damage. A soft brush head can actually do a better job than a hard one if the correct technique is used. Your teeth and gums will thank you later.

Soft Toothbrushes Can Clean Just as Well

If you have plaque on your teeth that a soft bristle brush can't remove, chances are that harder bristles won't be able to clean it off, either. Dentists can get rid of that nasty stuff safely with a thorough cleaning.

Signs you're brushing too hard

Receding gums: When you brush too hard at the gumline, you may be brushing away your gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, revealing the root and subgingival tooth structure. This can lead to sensitivity, and over the long-term can even lead to gum disease.

What is the best toothbrush to buy? ›

Our tester recommends the Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrush for gentle cleaning action that still gets the job done. The rounded, angled bristles clean deep between teeth and along the gum line, while the gum stimulators help improve blood flow—leaving you with healthy, happy gums.

“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

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.

“Soft bristles clean very effectively, more than the hard bristles. The hard bristles actually can wear down your tooth structure.”

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.

Most dentists caution against vigorous teeth brushing and for good reason. While you may not notice the symptoms of brushing too hard at first, they will likely become more apparent over time. From gum recession to tooth sensitivity, toothbrush abrasion can cause a range of uncomfortable side effects.

The preferred tool of choice for most wavers, soft brushes are best when trying to train hair at shorter lengths. Can you imagine trying to style your hair with a hard bristle brush? Hard bristles can scrape or irritate the scalp, cause breakage and potentially even unwanted shedding.

Hard Bristles: Understanding Their Impact

Contrarily, it could pose harmful effects on oral hygiene. Hard bristles might lead to tooth wear and tear, causing sensitivity due to erosion of enamel, the tooth's protective surface. They might also trigger gum retreat, revealing the sensitive root region.

Extra soft and ultra-soft

They are advised for people who are suffering from receding gums, bleeding gums, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Bristles are extremely soft to reduce the discomfort of brushing close to the gum line. People generally don't use ultra-soft toothbrushes unless they have been advised by a dentist.