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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What type of toothbrush should I use?

    Related Topic
    Oral Health
    Whenever I go to the chemist to buy a new toothbrush, I see so many options (soft bristles, medium bristles, hard bristles). What is the difference between them and what type should I use?
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  • Dr Roland Chong

    Dentist

    Soft bristle brushes are gentler on the gums and teeth. Especially if you have the root surfaces of the tooth exposed from the recession of the gum line. These areas tend to wear faster than the enamel of the tooth.

    The smaller the head of the brush the better as it allows you to access all areas of your teeth in your mouth.

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  • Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    Soft bristles, small shape, and reputable brand.

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    Dr Keith Hengpoonthana

    Dentist

    Principal dentist of Newington Dental Care. Previous teaching staff for the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney. Special interest in dental anxiety management and orthodontics. … View Profile

    Always SOFT bristles. The other tougher bristles are too agressive and will damage teeth and gums, that's why dentists have recommended manufacturers no longer make HARD bristles… tooth brush manufacturers have now used “FIRM” instead of MEDIUM or HARD because there are people who do look for them still thinking it would provide a better clean.

    Many research papers have shown that with proper brushing technique, SOFT will remove plaque just as effective as MEDIUM or HARD. You can also purchase “Sensitive” bristles for those that have sensitive teeth especially during brushing, it's much gentler. 

    My opinion though is that an electric tooth brush with an oscillating heads and a 2 minute timer is very effective for most of my patients and I always see a marked improvement in plaque control.


    Hope that helps :)   

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  • Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    For almost everyone the best toothbrush is a small head toothbrush with soft bristles. Think of sweeping  the kitchen floor, the yard and the garage. A small broom would be slow but it would get in to all the difficult corners. 

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