Hard vs Soft Bristles Toothbrush – Ultimate Comparison

You go to the store to pick out a toothbrush and there are hard ones, soft ones, and medium ones.
Which do you get? You may find yourself unsure.

That is why we are here. We are going to talk about hard toothbrushes versus soft ones. We will talk about what makes them different and what makes them the same. And help you figure out which one is the best choice for your teeth.

Stay tuned to learn more about hard toothbrushes and soft toothbrushes!

What’s The Difference?

When we are talking about soft and hard, we are referring to the quality and texture of the bristles. These bristles are the ‘brush’ part of the toothbrush, the part that cleans your teeth. The hard bristles are going to be stiff, and the soft ones are going to be softer. However, which one do you opt for?

Pick Soft

Each person should be using a softer toothbrush. This is not for the reason you think, though. Most people believe that a harder brush is going to break away your enamel. While a hard brush can do this, there are items in our life that do worse damage. This could include any acidic or sugary foods. These items damage your enamel worse than that of a hard toothbrush.

Many people believe that a hard toothbrush is going to clean better. However, a soft one will help just as much. However, keep in mind that it is not how hard you brush but your technique that matters.

How to Properly Brush Your Teeth with a Soft Brush

If you are brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush, there are a few things that you should know. We do know that hard-bristled brushes are going to be better at removing stains, however, you can do it with a soft brush as well if you have the right technique.

Brush in circles

The first thing you want to do is make sure that you are brushing in circles. Small circles are going to get into those spots that are hard to reach. This will also help remove plaque from your mouth easier than ever.

Don’t apply too much pressure

Avoid putting pressure on the teeth or gums. This can be extremely hard on the health of your gums. Do not put a lot of pressure, even when using a soft toothbrush. A soft toothbrush with a lot of pressure can cause the same damage as a harder-bristled brush.

Why Do We Avoid Hard Toothbrushes?

Dentists often do not recommend using a hard toothbrush because the gums are at stake. If you are brushing hard, you may notice that the gumline may bleed. This is because someone has sensitive gums, and the bristles are too hard for the gums.

Other Types of Brushes

There are a few other types of brushes that you could consider when choosing the best brush for you.
There are:

• Extra soft
• Soft
• Medium
• Hard

An extra soft brush is quite a rare toothbrush. This means that you will not be able to easily find it. You will likely have to find it from a dentist or online. These brushes are generally for people who have some type of gum disease or issues with their oral hygiene already.

A medium brush is similar to both a hard brush and a soft brush. However, it has slightly harder bristles than a soft toothbrush. Keep in mind that even a medium brush is going to cause thinning of your gums if you are not careful. That is why a soft brush is recommended.

Lastly, a hard toothbrush. This toothbrush has awfully hard bristles that could potentially wear down your enamel and cause issues.

Considering Electric Toothbrushes

Many people today use traditional toothbrushes and that is why we wrote this article. However, there is a better and easier way to get your mouth clean. Many are switching to electric toothbrushes. These are brushes that are powered by batteries. It will provide you with a better clean overall and result in less gum disease and gingivitis cases.

Plus, the electric brushes provide you with the circular motion that you would have to make on your own with a traditional brush. There are many health benefits associated with an electric toothbrush as well. Keep in mind that if you prefer a harder-bristled brush, you may simply opt for an electric toothbrush instead. This will leave you with a cleaner and healthier mouth.

Oral Hygiene Tips

Taking care of your overall oral hygiene is important. That is why we are going to talk about a few things that you can do to help ensure your mouth is clean.

Brush twice per day

Make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice per day. Generally, people will brush when they wake up and before they go to bed. This is what most people will do.

Floss every night

You should also floss each night. This will ensure that the food you eat does not stay stuck in your teeth while you are sleeping. Food caught in your teeth will harbor bacteria and this could cause bad breath.

Use mouthwash

Lastly, we want to ensure your mouth is as clean as possible, so it is recommended that you use a mouthwash. Make sure you are asking your dental provider which one would be best for you to ensure that you are getting your mouth as clean as possible.

Pro Tip!

Always ask your dental provider if you are unsure about anything regarding toothbrushes or oral hygiene. This will ensure that you are taking proper care of your teeth and mouth.

Wrapping Up

Learning the difference between a soft and hard toothbrush is important. It is also important that you know that you always choose soft bristles.

Hard bristles can cause damage to your mouth. Plus, if you are simply ready to have a cleaner mouth, opt for electric. However, no matter what you do or how you brush your teeth, make sure you are addressing your oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is super important, and you should be treating it that way. Do not wait until your teeth are falling out to start caring about your mouth.

Recommended Reading

• GOBY Toothbrush Review – Worth The Money?
• Sonicare Toothbrushes – Here’s What We Think
• When & How Often Should You Replace An Electric Toothbrush?