The dental industry produces some high-tech gadgets. Toothbrushes these days come in an assortment of sizes and shapes. Not to mention, some operate on battery power and come with expensive docking stations.

Thankfully, you needn’t spend $100 on a toothbrush for a thorough cleaning. Electric or manual, you just have to know what to shop for.

One of the biggest debates over toothbrushes is on bristle coarseness and stiffness. Most dentists recommend soft bristles over medium or hard ones. However, a large portion of consumers still prefer the firm varieties. So which should you choose?

Why Soft Bristles Promise the Greatest Protection

Surprisingly, anything other than a soft-bristled toothbrush can cause harm. If you brush vigorously, hard bristles can wear away the gums and enamel. Contrary to common belief, firm toothbrushes do not remove plaque and stains more effectively either.

Soft toothbrushes offer the greatest comfort and maneuverability. They are gentle enough for individuals who have recently undergone oral surgery! Moreover, the bristles bend easier, taking less effort to sweep buildup from between the teeth and under the gums.

When made with small heads and angled bristles, soft toothbrushes boast the greatest performance. Small heads reach further into the mouth, cleaning from more angles. Tilted bristles help to align the brush against the gums properly, too.

Rather than brushing from side to side, gently nestle inward then stroke down. This prevents damage and actually produces better results. Soft bristles allow for a greater range of motion and help to improve such habits.

For the best of all worlds, look for a toothbrush with a tongue and cheek scraper. Many prefer hard bristles for this purpose. Scrapers are pretty much standard nowadays, so finding one will not be a challenge.