Should I Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush?

By Curt P. Posey, DDS, Inc.

October 06, 2015

Tags: Toothbrush

Find out what kind of toothbrush is the best option for your oral care regime.

While it’s vitally important that you know how to properly brush your teeth, the tools for the job are often just as important. If you don’t have the right tools, you may not be giving your mouth the best cleaning it can get. To improve your at-home routine, find out which type of toothbrush is best for your smile, and how your Fresno dentist Dr. Curt Posey can help.

Hard- vs. Soft-Bristled Toothbrushes

If a hard-bristled toothbrush can offer a hearty tooth scrubbing, then you can expect to get a cleaner, healthier smile, right? While this logic might seem sound, unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. In fact, many people still believe that a hard-bristled toothbrush is going to clean their teeth more efficiently then a soft-bristled one. But the sad fact remains that a hard toothbrush may actually cause damage to teeth and gums.

It may seem ridiculous, but may people don’t know how to properly brush their teeth. Your Fresno, CA dentist often sees healthy tooth structure that has become damaged or worn down by over-brushing. When it comes to cleaning your teeth every day, you want to make sure you are doing a thorough and precise job, but the goal is not to brush as hard as you can. Brushing harder isn’t going to give you a more effective clean.

The Anatomy of a Toothbrush

To understand just how toothbrushes give you a cleaner smile, it’s important to know more about this little dental appliance. A toothbrush is a grouping of nylon bristles that are held in place by a single handle. While you can’t see it with the naked eye, these little bristles have sharp edges, which can wear away at healthy enamel when used incorrectly.

Luckily for us, many toothbrushes do undergo quality testing before the public is allowed to use them. When the bristles are trimmed to the same height, they are also rounded into a dome shape so that they are safer on teeth.

But, as we all know, not all toothbrushes are created equally. So, the next time you pick out a toothbrush, take the time to opt for a soft-bristled one that even sports the American Dental Association Seal of Approval. If you still don’t know which toothbrush is right for you, you can also get the advice of your dentist in Fresno.

Besides at-home dental cleanings, remember that you should never forget about the importance of routine dental cleanings and exams from your Fresno dentist. If it’s time for your next checkup, give our office a call.

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