If you’ve heard any talk about toothbrush bristles, you may have heard that dentists prefer their patients use soft-bristled toothbrushes. But what’s the difference between brushing with a soft-bristled brush versus a hard-bristled brush – and why are hard-bristled brushes so bad, anyway?
Hard vs. Soft
Bristle firmness is often a matter of personal preference, but generally speaking, the harder the bristle the better the job those tiny fibers do at cleaning the teeth. Unfortunately, however, the harder the bristles, the more damage can be caused to the enamel of the teeth. That’s why most dentists recommend soft-bristled brushes and brushing longer over hard-bristled brushes.
Other Varieties
There are more bristle strengths than just hard and soft. Bristles also come in medium as well as extra-soft. Medium bristles are a step down in firmness from hard-bristled brushes, but generally they are still too strong, and are not recommended either.
Extra-soft bristles are the softest bristles available and are great for people with enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, and for babies and young children.
If you would like help selecting the appropriate toothbrush for your teeth, please contact Dr. Abelar’s office at 858-256-4707.
