17 Feb 2017 Why Dentists Recommend a Soft Toothbrush
Oral hygiene has come a long way since the days when people rubbed a twig against their teeth to remove bits of food. Today there are so many different kinds or toothbrushes that it can be confusing and hard to pick the best one. One option is to consult with your trusted dentist to get a professional opinion. The majority of dentists recommend a soft toothbrush.
Toothbrushes come in different bristle strength: soft, medium, and hard. Many people mistakenly believe that the harder the bristles, the better the toothbrush will clean. However, this is not necessarily true. The difference between how well a soft toothbrush cleans and a medium or hard bristled toothbrush cleans is so minimal that the disadvantages are not worth it. Following is a list of reasons why dentists recommend a soft toothbrush.
Soft Nylon Bristles Are The Most Comfortable Option
The goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque and tarter as gently as possible to protect your teeth and gums. If brushing your teeth is uncomfortable and leaves your mouth sore, you are less likely to brush as often or for as long as you should. Over brushing your teeth by using a brush with bristles that are too hard or by using too much force will cause lasting damage to your teeth and gums. 20% of Americans have actually damaged their teeth and gums by over brushing.
Soft Nylon Bristles Save Your Enamel
Enamel is your teeth’s first defense against tooth decay. Medium and hard bristles can scratch this protective enamel and wear it away. This leaves your teeth exposed to damage and decay. A good quality tooth paste is abrasive enough to remove plaque without using a toothbrush with medium or hard nylon bristles.
Soft Nylon Bristles Protect Your Gums
Using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard will damage your gums and cause them to recede. Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth which are not protected by enamel, subjecting them to plaque and decay. In severe cases, even the bone supporting your teeth can be damaged, and you can lose the tooth entirely. The best toothbrush to use to protect your gums is a soft bristled brush used together with a good quality tooth paste.
Every Toothbrush Should be Replaced Every 3-4 Months
Every toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months, regardless of the bristle strength. Medium and hard brushes tend to last longer than a soft bristled toothbrush, so you might not replace it as often as you should. Soft bristled brushes wear out after 3-4 months, which is a perfect reminder to replace them on a timely basis.
When looking at all the different kinds or toothbrushes available, keep in mind what your goal is for teeth. The goal is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Your trusted dentist will agree that the best toothbrush is a soft bristled toothbrush.