At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, we almost always tell our patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush on their teeth. Our recommendation is usually enough, but sometimes patients ask, why soft? We’ll use this blog post to explain.
The short answer is that soft-bristled toothbruses are gentle on your gums, but at the same time are rigid enough to clean plaque and other debris off of your teeth. That’s the main goal of brushing: removing plaque. If it’s left on your teeth it can harden into tartar. This can cause cavities and also lead to gum disease.
If soft-bristled toothbrushes are so much better for you, why do toothbrush companies even bother making medium and hard-bristled brushes? The answer is that harder bristles are preferred in some cases. An example is someone with an artificial tooth or dentures. Soft bristles may not get them clean enough. The same holds true for people with braces.
For most people, though, soft is better. Hard bristles can actually damage the gums and the enamel of your teeth, especially if you’re a vigorous brusher. Even medium bristles can do that kind of damage. That’s why for the majority of our patients, we recommend soft-bristle brushes.
But don’t buy just any old soft-bristle brush. Get one that you like. Some toothbrushes are going to feel better in your hand. If you like your brush, you’re more apt to do a good job brushing.
When you’re at the store you’ll see a lot of different types of brushes. Don’t be afraid to shop around and try different types of brushes. Eventually you’ll find the one that’s right for you.
At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office today to schedule your next checkup.
About the Practice
Dr. Ellis Shwarts and his skilled team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Richardson, TX community for several years! A Dallas native, Dr. Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has spent countless hours educating himself and honing his skills so that he can provide a truly unmatched level of care. The practice offers a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.