Dr Michael Smith D.M.D.

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Why Do Dentists Recommend Soft Bristled Toothbrushes?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for the purpose of achieving perfect dental health and overall well being. If you do not observe healthy oral hygiene, then you may suffer from unsightly stains, toothaches, and even other medical problems. For example, gum disease, a result of poor dental hygiene, can increase the development of health conditions that are serious including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. To keep good and healthy oral hygiene you might want to check someone similar to this Durham Dental Cosmetic Dentistry in Beaufort, SC for your dental needs or shine a light on any of your dental worries.

Brushing Teeth

This is one of the best ways for you to maintain healthy teeth and gums and most of us have done this ever since we were kids. The toothbrush that we use now, according to the ADA (American Dental Association), has a long history.

The earliest type of toothbrush was simply a small twig or chew stick which was used for rubbing against the teeth to remove food bits and debris pieces. About 100 years later, there was the incorporation of bristles (boar’s hair) into the toothbrush head. The late 1930’s also marked another milestone in the development of toothbrushes since there was the invention of nylon bristles, still in use today. Teeth-cleaning chew sticks and boar’s bristle toothbrushes are also still available for use today.

At present, you can choose from different toothbrush types. For example, there are different bristle varieties, as well as manual and electric toothbrushes.

Toothbrush Bristle Types

If you want to choose a toothbrush according to bristle types, the options available are soft, medium hard and hard bristles. Among the different types of bristled toothbrushes available, the soft bristled toothbrush is the one recommended by dentists.

Why You Should Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush

A soft bristled toothbrush is gentler on your teeth and gums and that is why it is recommended by dentists. The thin outer layer covering the tooth, known as enamel, is incredibly sensitive and therefore, with time it is susceptible to erosion and wear. When you use either a medium hard or hard bristle toothbrush, the stiffer bristles will wear down the enamel each time you brush. Using a soft bristled toothbrush safeguards you from gum damage and gum recession.

It is also important to note that when you use a hard bristle toothbrush, most of the time you may end up leaving the margins near the gums. This is because this type of brush you are using usually hurts your gums. Leaving this area not brushed will eventually result in excessive bacterial growth which may cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Benefits of Using Soft Bristled Toothbrushes

  • Suitable for dental care for children since there is no discomfort or irritation caused.
  • Gentler to your teeth, gums, and other sensitive soft tissues in your mouth. And so, you will not suffer from gum damage and gum recession.
  • Since the bristles of the toothbrush are more flexible, your teeth will be cleaner after each brushing.

In conclusion, one of the main reasons usually given for using a medium hard or hard bristled toothbrush is because it results in the removal of slightly more plaque. Many dentists consider this to be not enough reason to justify the use of a hard bristled toothbrushes. It is important that before you choose your toothbrush type, you first consult with your dentist. Alternatively, you can simply choose any toothbrush (manual or electric powered) with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. If you are using a soft bristled toothbrush, it is advised that you replace it after every 3 months. This ensures that the toothbrush which you are using is in perfect shape.