Probably for as long as you can remember, you’ve been taught the importance of brushing your teeth. Preventing cavities and gum disease, cleaning your teeth, and freshening your breath are only a few of the benefits. We all know that having a good toothbrush is vital, but you need to choose which kind is right for you.
Which bristles should I choose?
One of the first things to look for is the strength of the bristles. Most dentists recommend that you use soft bristled toothbrushes. It is usually the most comfortable and safest selection, recommended over the medium and hard bristled varieties.
What are the benefits of soft bristles?
Soft bristles are more gentle on your teeth and gums, but at the same time they are just as effective at cleaning your teeth. They remove plaque from your teeth without damaging the enamel, and they usually don’t irritate your gums.
What’s so bad about using harder bristles?
Using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush can damage your teeth by stripping away the enamel, and can cause your gums to become sore and inflamed. Your gums may also recede, or be pushed away from your teeth. Gum recession can expose your tooth roots, contributing to decay and causing tooth sensitivity. If you insist on using medium or hard bristles, experts recommend using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one.
Who should use soft bristles?
People of all ages are recommended to select soft bristled toothbrushes. They are especially beneficial for kids, seniors, patients with braces, and patients recovering from dental procedures. If your current toothbrush has medium or hard bristles, try a soft bristled brush and it’s likely you won’t notice a difference…but your teeth and gums will!
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