Soft Or Hard? A Toothbrush Debate

At Dennis J. Coleman DDS in Davidson NC, we almost always tell our patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when they brush their teeth. We’ll use this space to explain why.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. (So is flossing, but we’ll save that topic for another blog post.) Soft bristles are gentle on the surfaces of your teeth, but still rigid enough to brush away plaque and food debris. (Remember to use a light touch as you brush, so that the bristles don’t bend.)

Soft bristles are also excellent for removing debris from along the gumline, which is an important area to brush.

What is it about hard, and even medium, bristles? Tooth enamel is extremely sensitive, and it can wear down over time. Using a hard bristled brush can scratch it and wear it down. That’s also why you should use a light touch as you brush.

When you look at new toothbrushes in the store, there’s a big variety to choose from. If yo look closely, though, you may notice that most of the toothbrushes are soft; it’s the pattern of the bristles that varies so much.

Make no mistake: hard bristles have their place. They’re often recommended for cleaning oral appliances. But when you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush.

Should you use a manual toothbrush, or an electric one? Another great debate! Along with flossing, we’ll save that topic for a future blog post.

Using your soft-bristled brush regularly, along with flossing and seeing the dentist at Dennis J. Coleman in Davidson NC every six months for a checkup, is the best way to maintain a beautiful, clean smile. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.