How to Choose Toothbrush Bristles
When it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you may be tempted to grab the first one you come across at the drugstore. But did you know that the type of toothbrush bristles you choose matters to your overall dental health?
What are toothbrush bristles made of?
Not all toothbrushes are the same, as they come in different sizes, shapes, and bristle materials. Since the invention of toothbrushes centuries ago, the bristles have been made from all sorts of materials, such as twigs and even animal hair. Nowadays, most toothbrushes you find at the store or your dentist’s office have bristles that are made out of nylon, a strong synthetic fiber.
This synthetic fiber does not wear down as quickly as other bristle materials, such as those made out of boar (pig) hair, and it also does not break down in the water, leaving you with a cleaner and whiter smile. Due to its durability, nylon is currently the most popular material used for toothbrush bristles.
These nylon bristles come in a variety of firmness levels, including soft and hard-bristle, that many people don’t really pay attention to. Let’s dive into each of these bristle types so that you can make an informed decision the next time you shop for a new toothbrush.
Soft vs. Hard Bristles
It is important to know which type of toothbrush bristle is best for you to give you the best results. The two most common types of toothbrush bristles are soft-bristle and hard-bristle, both providing support for different needs and comfort levels.
Among all bristle types, the American Dental Association (ADA) only recommends using soft bristles, especially if you are showing signs of teeth erosion, recently underwent dental implants, or have sensitive teeth. Soft bristles can also help you get an excellent clean as they can remove plaque and food particles more effectively without causing any sort of long-term damage to your teeth.
Some people, however, prefer stiffer bristles as they believe this type of bristles can remove plaque better. And that’s when hard-bristle toothbrushes come in. Ideally, you shouldn’t use them as the stiffness of the material and over-brushing with hard bristles can lead to sore gums and negatively impact your enamel.
How to choose which bristle type is right for you
Choosing which bristle is best for you is key to a clean and happy smile. There are different types of bristles because some options work better depending on each individual’s preference. Depending on gum density and enamel strength, the bristles that work best will vary from person to person.
Even though you are strongly advised to use softer bristles, it is important to choose the bristle firmness that you find comfortable and easy to use at least twice a day.
This will lead to fewer problems at future dentist visits as your gums and teeth will be as healthy and happy as possible with the right care at home. Taking care of your overall oral health can prevent many issues throughout the entire body, and having the correct bristles that work for you and aren’t harming you is essential.
See also: Toothbrush Convenience and Cleanliness
If you are looking for any professional dental assistance or to learn more about which toothbrush bristles would be best for you and your family, schedule an appointment with Gina Liggio Maestri DDS Family Dentistry.
We provide the best family dental care across the Acadiana area, as we believe that our patients are members of the family. If you would like to learn more about our dental services or to schedule a checkup, give us a call at (337) 704-2126, or stop by at 1601 Kaliste Saloom Rd Lafayette, LA 70508. Your dental health is our top priority.
Sources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/soft-vs-hard-toothbrush
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