If you prefer to use a manual toothbrush instead of an electric toothbrush, understanding which toothbrush works for you has some important factors to it. Yes, manual toothbrushes aren’t simply produced for design and style. The availability of toothbrushes is usually narrowed down to two kinds; soft-bristle or hard-bristle toothbrushes. If you’re a manual toothbrush user, it is important to understand which is best for your oral health, soft-bristle or hard-bristle toothbrushes.
Before determining whether soft-bristle or hard-bristle toothbrushes are better, let’s quell the misconception that hard-bristle toothbrushes are more beneficial to your smile. There have been numerous questions about the effectiveness of hard-bristle toothbrushes and whether using it is actually better for your smile. This is wide of the mark and it is important to address this first and foremost.
Read on below to clear up whether soft-bristle or hard-bristle toothbrushes are better.
So, A Soft-Bristle Or Hard-Bristle Toothbrush?
When being asked about a hard or soft toothbrush, this refers to the bristles that are pressed on your teeth to clean them. Hard bristles are stiff and you’re likely to find hard bristles within Sensodyne products. Although, they’re not always recommended for use due to the stiffness of those bristles. Combine this with hard brushing and it can significantly damage your enamel.
The more you tend to push harder against your teeth, the more pressure is put on your teeth, which can, in fact, cause gum loss, sensitivity and exposure of the underlying dentin. If you ask for a dentist recommendation, they’re more than likely to recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes to protect from overzealous brushing.
Soft-Bristle Toothbrushes
A soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended as part of strong oral care routine steps. A soft-bristle toothbrush can clean your teeth as hard as a hard-bristled toothbrush. The difference in doing this with a soft-bristle toothbrush is the technique you adopt. Soft-bristle toothbrushes are effective when you angle the toothbrush towards the gum line and use gentle circular strokes. The pressure should remain regular and overzealous brushing only damages the bristles further. This means your toothbrush won’t be robust enough to clean your teeth. This can introduce plaque build-up. Soft-bristle toothbrushes will not damage your teeth when the technique is performed correctly.
Hard-Bristle Toothbrushes
Simply put, there is no evidence to suggest that the long-term use of a hard-bristle toothbrush is beneficial for your teeth. A dentist doesn’t recommend using it either. Although, if you’re a regular smoker, or your teeth are stained, some may consider using hard-bristle toothbrushes in an attempt to remove stains and tartar.
If you’re seeking a solution to remove stains and plaque on your teeth, you may consider fluoride toothpaste or brushing teeth with baking soda. Hard-bristle toothbrushes could be used for cleaning dentures, but there is no evidence to suggest that hard-bristle toothbrushes are beneficial to your oral health. The dentist recommendation is usually soft-bristle, and this is the approach you should take.
Are you seeking further advice on your toothbrush? Check yourself in with our dentists at Quakers Hill today for an appointment. Click here to book yourself in today.