"The harder your toothbrush, the better"- is this true?

Answer 1

It depends how hard!! Obviously you need to brush them hard enough to remove plaque from the teeth but if you scrub them really hard then you will damge your teeth and gums. Depite many people advising using a soft bristle toothbrush, for some it is not effective. And not brushing your teeth hard enough will lead to a build up of plaque!! You need to find a balance. If it hurts your gums when brushing then you may be brushing to hard. if however your teeth have plaque remaining after brushing then you are either not brushing properly or you are not brushing hard enough. Also remember when brushing your teeth use small circular motions, rather then side to side, and up and down as this will lead to receeding of the gums!

Answer 2

The short answer NO!! You have received some good info from the answers here. Using a hard toothbrush is def. old school thinking. Now that the dental establishment knows better we always rec'd a soft toothbrush. Repeated brushing with a hard or even medium toothbrush can cause your gum tissue to recede and your enamel to erode away. This in turn can lead to root decay and sensitive teeth since your basically are removing your enamel exposing the layer underneath which is the dentin, which is not as strong as your enamel. Dentin is more porous than enamel so cold, sweets, etc. can cause you to have sensitivity. Also the dentin is softer so you can more easily get decay in these exposed areas. You can still do a complete job with a soft toothbrush. You have to use small quick circles with the toothbrush angled at a forty-five degree angle so you are also massaging and brushing your gums. You should ideally be brushing for about two minutes every time to remove all of the plaque and bacteria which cause the problems. You also have to floss everyday to get in-between your teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. As you may have noticed there are still medium and hard toothbrushes for sale at the store, but these however should only be used on partials or dentures. So invest in a good soft toothbrush and make sure that you are not scrubbing your teeth, or you will have problems later on. Also again be sure to floss at least once every twenty four hours.

Answer 3

NO way...you need to get a medium texture because the harder the toothbrush is the more damage it will do to your enamel as well as gums. This can cause sensitivity and create more problems.

Answer 4

Hi Buzzard..simply brush after meals with a medium bristled toothbrush..use mouthwash after this.There's no need to scrub too hard as it can cause gum abrasions.Remember healthy gums look pink not red.Any other dental questions email me,I am a dentist

Answer 5

Back in Canada we were always told to buy the softest possible brushes. Dentists over here seem not to make this recommendation, but its gospel at home.

I have arguments about this with my (English) boyfriend. He reckons a hard brush stimulates the gums. I was always told by my dentists in Canada that they can scratch the teeth and irritate the gums causing them to recede more quickly.

My BF also brushes his teeth before meals rather than after, which I think is mental. I'm going to have to go with the Canadian Dental establishment on this one.

Answer 6

not at all.u can overbrush, this causes abrasion of the teeth and literally ur brushing the gums away, med toothbrush is best, or soft if your also flossing once a day.

Answer 7

No, dentists recommend a soft bristed toothbrush.

Answer 8

Actually, a soft brush is recommended by most dentists. It is the length of the gentle brushing that cleans your teeth (2-3 minutes), not how hard you brush. That could really hurt your gums. I've been there and tried that.

Answer 9

I like a firm toothbrush it feels like my teeth get a better scrubbing and my gum are fine, i could not go back to medium ones so to me yes there better.

Answer 10

a soft toothbrush is better