When it comes to giving your teeth a good thorough cleaning, it may seem that the harder the bristles of the brush, the better job they will do in cleaning teeth and removing plaque. However, most dentists agree with the American Dental Association that soft bristled toothbrushes are definitely better for most people.
Hard Bristles – Too Effective?
Many of us brush our teeth with the idea that the harder we scrub, the better we are cleaning our teeth and mouth. There is such a thing as too much scrubbing or being too effective with cleaning our teeth. Our teeth are coated with protective enamel that helps to fight off acids that are formed in the mouth. By brushing with a hard toothbrush, we may actually be damaging that enamel. This is especially true if we are brushing in a side-to-side motion.
Gum Irritation
It has also been shown that regular use of a hard toothbrush can cause gum irritation and receding. In a recent study it was pointed out that people who used hard toothbrushes showed more symptoms of gum recession than those who used soft toothbrushes. Frequent brushing with a hard toothbrush can lead to premature gum recession, which may lead to increased sensitivity and exposed gums.
Soft Toothbrush Advantage
Using a soft toothbrush allows us to give our teeth a good cleaning without damaging gums or the enamel on our teeth. Dentists will suggest the use of a soft bristled toothbrush for most people. It is important to take proper care of your toothbrush by thoroughly rinsing it after each use. Allow it to air dry in an upright position away from other toothbrushes. This will prevent the spread of bacteria.
Because the bristles of a toothbrush will eventually break down and lose their effectiveness, it is best to replace your toothbrush once every 3 months. When a toothbrush gets too old, it is no longer able to do its job correctly.
If you have more questions about what type of toothbrush you should use, feel free to give my office a call at 480-951-2800. My staff will be happy to discuss your options in more detail and set up a personal consultation with me.
Additionally, if you believe you are currently experiencing any symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease, please call me right away. These types of issues can become worse in a very short period of time and it is better to have them addressed as soon as possible.
