Extra soft vs. soft vs. medium vs. hard toothbrush bristles

When it comes to toothbrushes, the first thing to look for is one that is either soft or extra soft. It seems counterintuitive to avoid a medium or firm brush, but those rigid bristles can actually cause damage to the protective layers of your teeth and gums, causing permanent damage and sensitivity.

The purpose of brushing is to mechanically remove the plaque (AKA bacteria) that builds up around your teeth. Luckily for us, it doesn’t take a lot of force. We are cleaning a part of our body, not scrubbing bathroom tiles!

Is an electric toothbrush worth it?

Another big difference in types of toothbrushes is manual vs. electric. At City Point Dental, we are big fans of electric toothbrushes because of how much more plaque they remove in the same amount of time vs. a manual brush. They are also great for people who might have limited dexterity. 

Manual brushes are good if you are on the go or don’t have access to an electric brush; just make sure that you are brushing for a full two minutes and that you angle the bristles down towards your gums at a 45 degree angle to ensure full plaque removal. 

Features to look for in an electric toothbrush

When choosing an electric brush, the most important features are having a two-minute timer and a pressure indicator to let you know if you are brushing too hard. Some high end brushes have bluetooth connectivity and integrate with apps on your phone, but those features are not essential for effective brushing. If you like technology and they make you want to brush, then go for it!

How often should you replace your toothbrush?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head if electric) every 3-4 months. Switch it sooner if you notice the bristles are getting bent and splayed out—this likely means you are brushing too hard!