Why You Should Be Using a Soft-bristled Toothbrush

You have likely heard your dentist explain the importance of using a soft-bristled toothbrush. But why? Well, first of all, it is important to know that the type of toothbrush that you use can affect your dental health. While many people believe that medium-to-hard bristled toothbrushes clean more effectively, soft-bristled toothbrushes are recommended and here’s why.

Soft-bristled toothbrushes are effective, yet still gentle on your teeth and gums. Because hard-bristled toothbrushes are more rough, it can lead to gum recession and strip the enamel of your teeth because the hard bristles can be too abrasive for when brushing. In addition, if you notice your gums bleeding when brushing your teeth, this is often a sign that your toothbrush may be too rough on your gums. Therefore, to protect your teeth and gums, it is always best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

The American Dental Association also recommends for people to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, as it is safer for our teeth and gums. When shopping for a new toothbrush, be sure to find one that is soft-bristled and has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal ensures that the toothbrush has been evaluated for safety and efficacy of the dental product. 

Benefits of a Soft-bristled Toothbrush

There are many great benefits of soft-bristled toothbrushes, including: 

• They minimize the risk of brushing too hard
• They are gentle on your gums
• They help in the prevention of gum recession and exposing tooth roots
• The bristles are more flexible, making it easier to curve around teeth and gums
• They make it easier to get into crevices
• They help preserve tooth enamel

Risks of Gum Recession

Gum recession is a form of gum disease, which happens when your gums pull away from your teeth. This causes the tooth roots to become exposed, making your teeth extremely sensitive and more susceptible to cavities. Some of the causes that can lead to gum recession include aggressive brushing, smoking, among other factors. As a result, this is why we strongly recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes.

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