These days, choosing a toothbrush is a more difficult task than it once was. The choice isn’t just between electric and manual, or blue or green. Each brand offers a selection of colours, styles, and bristles making it difficult to pick the right one.
While the colour of your toothbrush may matter to you, it’s the type of bristles it has that should concern you when choosing a new one. Understanding the difference between bristles could help shorten your time in the toothbrush aisle and help the health of your mouth!
Types of Bristles
Today, toothbrush bristles are usually made from nylon and broken into three main classes – soft, medium, and hard- a huge upgrade from the early days, when they were made from boar’s hair.
Hard Bristles
Hard-bristled toothbrushes are less common now than ever before – this is because dentists are finding that they may be more harmful to your gums than the other styles. Even though they are best at removing plaque and food debris, hard bristles can cause erosion to your gums, and damage tooth enamel, especially when applying pressure on them while brushing.
Medium Bristles
Medium-bristled toothbrushes are stiff enough to remove debris in the mouth, but are also soft enough that they minimize the damage done to your gums and enamel. However, you need to be mindful with your gums when using a medium bristle, there’s still a high possibility you may cause damage by brushing too hard.
Soft Bristles
Soft bristles are most often recommended because they work for everybody. They are especially suitable for children’s teeth, which are developing and require extra delicate care. They’re gentle on your gums and won’t harm your tooth enamel. However, with a soft bristle brush, you must be thorough and make extra sure you’re tackling any stubborn debris.
Extra Soft Bristles
Extra soft toothbrushes are available and may be recommended in some situations. They are beneficial to people with delicate gums or enamel. Sometimes, an extra soft bristle is suggested after dental work or oral surgery, or for children.
How to Choose the Best Toothbrush For You
There are so many toothbrush choices on the market that it can be overwhelming. However, most people’s biggest decision comes down to soft vs. medium bristles.
There’s also the choice of either manual or electric toothbrushes. This could also impact your choice of bristle. If you use a manual toothbrush, you may want a medium bristle to clear away more plaque and food debris. Just be wary of the amount of pressure you use.
Since an electric toothbrush does a lot of the work for you, if you prefer electric, you should probably think about getting a soft bristle electric toothbrush.
If you’re looking for a new dentist, or it’s been a while since your last dental visit, and you live in the Niagara or St.Catherines area, contact Dr. Vlahos today to make an appointment. Our team is here to help you maintain a happy, healthy smile!