Toothbrushes are essential to our daily oral health routine. That’s common knowledge. However, did you know that the type of toothbrush you use, whether a soft toothbrush or a hard one, also plays a role in the success of your oral care?

If you’re unsure about which type of toothbrush is best for you, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of choosing the right toothbrush for your needs and the key differences between a hard, medium, and soft toothbrush.

Hard vs. Soft Toothbrush: Importance of Choosing the Right Toothbrush Type

Everyone has different oral health needs in the same way that the types of toothbrush we should use vary as well. Using the wrong kind of toothbrush can negatively impact your overall dental health.

For example, those who have sensitive teeth and gums should stay away from hard-bristled toothbrushes. Meanwhile, a soft toothbrush may not be effective for those looking to remove stains on their teeth or dentures.

In one study by the National Institute of Health, it was found that three main factors influenced how likely a person is to develop receding gums: their brushing method, the frequency of brushing, and the hardness of their toothbrush bristles. This conclusion reflects that choosing a bristle hardness matching your oral health needs is vital for avoiding tooth and gum damage.

When to Use a Hard-, Medium-, or Soft-Bristled Toothbrush 

Now that you know why it’s essential to choose the right toothbrush, let’s talk about the different scenarios you’ll need to make that decision. Here are the pros and cons of each toothbrush type:

Hard Toothbrush

Unlike a medium or soft toothbrush, hard brushes are not recommended for daily use. One NIH study found that using a hard-bristled toothbrush could lead to loss of tooth enamel and gum irritation when combined with unnecessary brushing force. 

People who use hard toothbrushes are advised to be cautious to avoid damaging their teeth and gums. However, despite the potential harm, this toothbrush type still has its uses. A hard toothbrush can get the job done better than a medium or soft toothbrush for occasional tooth stain removal.

In addition, some dentists may recommend using hard-bristled brushes to clean dentures and removable orthodontic appliances, such as retainers, Invisalign trays, and mouth guards. For such cases, remember this always: only use the toothbrush when the device is not in your mouth.

Medium Toothbrush

A medium toothbrush provides a healthy balance between the comfort of a soft toothbrush and the cleaning force of a hard one. According to the ADA, medium toothbrushes are most effective for biofilm removal. 

Although medium brushes are generally safer than hard ones, people who use this toothbrush should still be careful. Applying too much pressure while brushing your teeth still has a possibility of causing bleeding gums and tooth abrasion.

Soft Toothbrush

After reading about the advantages (and disadvantages) of hard and medium toothbrushes, you may ask yourself, “Is it OK to use a soft toothbrush?” The answer is a resounding YES.

The safest and most comfortable option for brushing your teeth is still the soft-bristled toothbrush. This toothbrush type is most recommended by dentists and by the ADA because it minimizes the risk of tooth abrasion and gum damage.

For the vast majority of people, the soft toothbrush is the ideal choice because it effectively removes plaque without the danger of causing pain to the mouth. People of all ages can use this toothbrush type, and it’s especially recommended for children and the elderly whose teeth are more sensitive.

Stay on Top of Your Oral Health With a Quality Hard, Medium, or Soft Toothbrush!

No matter the toothbrush type you need, it’s crucial to find one that’s guaranteed to be safe and effective. Make sure to find premium quality brushes from trusted dental supply brands such as PRO-SYS. 

PRO-SYS offers a wide selection of top-of-the-line personal dental care products. Whether you’re searching for a hard, medium, or soft toothbrush, you’re bound to find one that meets your oral health needs at our store. Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team and learn more about our dentist-recommended toothbrushes!