There are lots of different manual toothbrushes out there, and you may have noticed that they’re often described as soft, medium, or hard. But what exactly does this mean, and why do you need to think carefully about which type of brush you should buy?
In this article, we settle the debate about whether soft or medium toothbrushes are better. We also explain why switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush is a much better option than worrying about soft or medium-bristle brushes and how Laifen can help you.
What is a soft toothbrush?
Before we settle this debate and compare a soft vs medium toothbrush, we need to look at what a soft toothbrush actually is. Softness in this case refers to the firmness of the bristles. Lots of people like soft bristles as they protect your teeth and gums and don’t cause any bleeding. Laifen Wave’s Gum Care toothbrush replacement head is a type of soft toothbrush you can select.
That said, some people don’t think that a soft toothbrush is firm enough to remove dirt and debris from between teeth, which is why they buy medium or hard-bristle brushes.
What is a medium toothbrush?
In contrast, a medium-bristled toothbrush is firmer than a soft one. The bristles are stiffer and create more friction when you brush against your teeth and gums. Though they’re not dangerous to use, medium toothbrushes are more likely to cause bleeding gums if you have gingivitis or various other dental conditions. Laifen Wave’s Super Clean toothbrush replacement head is a type of medium toothbrush you can select.
Can you also get a hard toothbrush?
A hard toothbrush is at the other end of the spectrum and is not recommended by most dental professionals. Hard brushes, often described as “firm,” can potentially cause damage to your teeth and gums if you use them incorrectly.
However, if you have false teeth or dentures, your dentist may recommend using a hard brush to remove debris from time to time. If you’re planning to use a hard-bristled brush, we advise you to chat to a dentist first before making a switch.
Medium vs soft toothbrush: What’s the difference?
The main difference between the two types of brush is the firmness of the bristles. When you use a brush with soft bristles, you can clean your teeth gently, without causing accidental damage to your gums or teeth. Therefore, this is a good option for people with damaged or sensitive teeth.
On the other hand, a medium-bristled brush can be a better option if you want to remove plaque and food particles from within your teeth. The extra stiffness of the bristles can help you get to hard-to-reach areas to remove stubborn food particles.
Another thing to be aware of is that medium-bristled brushes tend to last longer than softer brushes, as the bristles are more durable. This is handy to know if you use a manual toothbrush, as you will need to buy a new soft-bristled brush more frequently.
Toothbrush medium vs soft: Pros and cons
So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of using each type of toothbrush? Here are some important things to think about:
Soft brush
✅ Doesn’t cause damage to your teeth and gums and is a good choice if you have sensitive or damaged teeth.
✅ Using a soft brush in the long run is less likely to cause enamel erosion, helping to preserve your teeth.
✅ Soft brushes are great for kids as they help children get into the habit of brushing their teeth without any pain or discomfort.
❌ It can be difficult to remove plaque or get to food particles between your teeth with a medium toothbrush.
❌ Soft brushes often wear away more quickly than other brushes, meaning that you need to replace them more often.
Medium brush
✅ As they are slightly firmer, medium brushes are more effective at removing stubborn debris and even plaque from your teeth.
✅ If your gums are healthy, you can even brush them with a medium brush daily to reduce the likelihood of getting gingivitis.
✅ Medium brushes are more effective at removing food and debris from between your teeth, which is helpful if you don’t floss every day.
✅ Using a medium brush gives you more flexibility, as you can increase or decrease the pressure you apply, depending on how thoroughly you want to clean your teeth.
❌ If you apply too much pressure while using a medium brush, it can cause enamel erosion and even gum recession.
❌ Should you have sensitive gums or if you’re suffering from gingivitis, brushing your teeth with a medium brush will likely cause your gums to bleed.
Medium toothbrush vs soft toothbrush: Which is better?
This depends on your personal preferences and your dental health. If you have sensitive teeth or if you suffer from gum pain or related issues, you should use a soft toothbrush. This means you can brush your teeth each day without worrying about sensitivity.
Soft brushes are also a great option for young children and older adults with delicate teeth. Brushing gently means you can keep your teeth clean and healthy without doing any unnecessary damage.
On the flip side, if you have healthy teeth and gums and you want a brush that’s capable of a deeper clean, using a medium-firm brush is certainly not a bad thing. Provided you don’t apply too much pressure, and you use it carefully, a medium-bristled brush can be effective.
If you’re unsure about which type of bristles are best suited to your current dental circumstances, you can chat with your dentist or a dental hygienist for advice.
Soft bristle vs medium bristle toothbrush: Alternatives?
If you use a manual toothbrush, each time you buy a new brush, you need to think about whether to use a soft or medium-bristle brush. And given that dentists recommend buying a new brush every four to six weeks, it can be a bit of a hassle.
The best alternative to deciding between a soft and medium brush is to buy an electric toothbrush, such as the Laifen Wave. The Wave solves the issue of bristle firmness, coming with detachable heads that are the optimal strength for brushing your teeth.
What’s more, when you use an electric brush, the 60-degree oscillations and vibrations do much of the hard work for you. It removes plaque, gets to debris and food particles between your teeth, and helps to keep your teeth healthy and strong without damaging them.
Tips for brushing your teeth properly
Regardless of the type of brush you use, knowing how to look after your teeth will help to save dental bills and will prevent toothache, gum disease, and other issues. With that in mind, here are some handy tips to bear in mind if you’re planning to invest in a new toothbrush this year:
- Brush twice daily: Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. You should brush them immediately before you go to bed and on one other occasion during the day. Rather than brushing them first thing in the morning, wait until after breakfast.
- Electric is better than manual: Electric toothbrushes with a timer are more effective than manual brushes when it comes to plaque prevention. If you haven’t done so already, upgrade to an electric toothbrush like the Laifen Wave to keep your teeth in great shape.
- Use a fluoride-based toothpaste: There are so many products out there, but we recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste as it helps to whiten your teeth.
- Always use a mouthwash: After brushing your teeth for around two minutes, rinse your teeth and swish an antibacterial mouthwash around your mouth. This helps to kill bacteria and also helps to remove plaque from your teeth.
- Floss daily: As much as you might not like it, daily flossing is key to the health of your teeth. If you don’t like using standard floss, you can use a water flosser to remove the particles from between your teeth, which can help keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long run.
The verdict: Soft vs medium toothbrush
Ultimately, if you use a manual toothbrush, both soft and medium-bristled brushes can work. That said, you need to first think about your circumstances, and if you have sensitive teeth or gums, a brush with soft bristles is a much better option.
But if you’re really keen to improve the health of your teeth and reduce the amount you need to visit your dentist, we recommend upgrading to an eclectic toothbrush. Thanks to technological advances, they’re much better at cleaning your teeth and help with the prevention of plaque, gum disease, and other dental issues.
