soft or hard bristle kind of toothbrush?

Philippines
September 1, 2008 2:06am CST
I bought my dad a toothbrush yesterday but he didn't like it for it has a soft bristle. he told me that I should buy a toothbrush with a hard bristle for it's durable and it will clean his teeth thoroughly. but I told him that I've tried using a toothbrush with a hard bristle and it makes my gum bleeds, and I can't even brush hard for it was so painful whenever I am brushing.. so I've choose a soft one, for I don't want him to suffer what I've experience.. we keep on arguing about it, on what's good to use.LOL., and he told me that I should inspect first the toothbrush if it has a hard or soft bristle before buying it.. I just jokingly told him that "how am I suppose to know if the toothbrush has a hard bristle? would you like me to try it first before I buy it?".. and he'll just laugh. but later, after work, I'll buy him a new one. how about you? would you like a toothbrush with soft or hard bristle?, and tell me what's the benefits of the toothbrush you chose..thanks!
8 people like this
33 responses
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
1 Sep 08
My Dentist told me soft toothbrush because he said, "Hard ones can take enamel off." Where I live, the packages have hard, medium, and soft written on the packages, some brands in large letters.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
I see. and it'll make our gum bleeds.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
1 Sep 08
Dentists say the soft bristles are the best and that's what I buy. Like you, my gums bleed when I use the hard or medium bristle brushes. You should have a brush that stimulates the gums enough to get the blood flowing so they're healthy but not hard enough to damage them.
2 people like this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
well, I believe that we do have a sensitive gum. so soft bristle kind of toothbrush will really work on us.
@AmbiePam (85496)
• United States
1 Sep 08
For a long time I bought a medium bristled toothbrush because that is what I thought was best; what would get my teeth cleaner without the bristles being too hard. However I have since learned from two different dentists that we should always buy a soft bristle, unless otherwise directed by the dentist. Apparently it is a myth that the harder bristles get teeth cleaner. The soft bristles are more likely to be gentle to our gums as well, and that is very important.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
yeah, that's what I am telling to my dad. but he keeps on insisting.. anyway, thanks for that information.
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
both. i have false teeth and i use hard bristles for my false teeth. i have also my natural teeth and i use soft bristles for that. so i have two different kinds of tooth brush. if i forget to change my tooth brush and use the hard bristles for my natural teeth my gums will bleed. so i am extra careful on using and make sure what to use.
2 people like this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
well, good for you to have both. I guess your gum is too sensitive.. just like mine.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
1 Sep 08
Everyone has their own preference, if your father likes the hard brush then that is what you should get for him. It might not work for you but his teeth and gums are different from yours. I have always used a hard brush, personally I feel that the soft ones do not get the job done well, this is my opinion. Not everyone's gums bleed using a hard brush. They make soft, medium and hard brushes for a reason - to make us all happy.
2 people like this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
well, you've got the point. I already bought him a toothbrush that he really likes.
• Nepal
1 Sep 08
dafinately we have to use soft thing for the life as there motto soft live longer. I think soft toothbrush are better for the teeth, if not you be bleeding on the teeth soft gum may damage and its hard to recover. So I request to you to use the soft brush.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
kisanchhantyal oh yeah. and you can brush your teeth harder with the soft toothbrush. catfish57 well, I think i should try the medium one.
@subha12 (18441)
• India
2 Sep 08
it depends on choice. in our home we all prefer soft bristle. it is good for Gum. may not be durable but hard bristle makes cut on the Gum. still it depends on choice
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
cooking master girl! - stolen shot by my boyfriend. currently cooking dinner for them.
yeah. it really depends on our gum.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
sorry for that image. I was uploading that into the cooking section. how come that it uploaded there?..sorry! technical error I believe!
@ratyz5 (7808)
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
The bristles being soft or hard really depends on the one using the toothbrush. Both you and your father had already pointed out the benefits of either the hard bristled toothbrushes lasting longer while soft bristled toothbrushes wouldn't get your gum bleeding. I use hard bristled toothbrushes and its actually stated in the packaging if it is or not. More efficient in cleaning in my experience and soft bristled brushes just gets worn out too quickly.. must be brushing too hard.. (^_^")
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
yeah, that's what I don't like with the soft bristle toothbrush. it was so easy to get deformed. but I really like using it, I don't know, maybe my gum was so sensitive that I really need to use the soft one.
1 person likes this
@ratyz5 (7808)
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
Well, its more reasonable to prefer comfort than to bear the pain on using a hard bristled toothbrush just to be able to use it longer.. Perhaps you might take some specific supplements to strengthen your gum? Just an idea..
1 person likes this
• Dayton, Ohio
1 Sep 08
If your soft bristled brushes deform easily, then you are probably brushing too hard. Check with your dentist if you have not already.
1 person likes this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
5 Sep 08
I usually get the toothbrush with soft bristles. LOL!! I have very sensitive gums and they will bleed if I use a hard bristled brush so that is the benefit for me no bleeding with the soft brush. :)
1 person likes this
• Philippines
8 Sep 08
yeah. same here.
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
1 Sep 08
I will prefer a hard bristle, like your dad.. lol =D ANd i totally agree with him that with a hard bristle, it will be easy to brush and clean our teeth thoroughly and that we need not brush as hard if we use a soft bristle ^_^ The purpose of brushing teeth is to make your teeth clean as well as keeping our gums healthy too, and so i'm more in for something that suits me better ^_^
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
well, I guess you do have a hard gum just like my dad.LOL.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
what??? are you serious? that's not good.
1 person likes this
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
1 Sep 08
Not really, but i know that i will always brush my teeth till my gums bleed.. lol
1 person likes this
@johndur (3052)
• Pasig, Philippines
4 Sep 08
i prefer hard bristle toothbrush because i clans better than the soft bristle toothbrush.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 Sep 08
if that's what you want.
@momalisa65 (1971)
• United States
5 Sep 08
I always liked the hard bristles, but it seems like they are hard to find now. Or maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. It should be labeled on the package and say if it is hard or soft. I didn't have any trouble with my gums bleeding or anything when I used them. I think everyone's gums and teeth are different, so everyone should just use whatever works for them.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
5 Sep 08
yeah. I guess you've said it all.
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
Being in the dental field, I would normally recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes to patients especially after seeing numerous mechanical abrasions on teeth (mainly attributable to unrelentless brushing style and hard-bristled toothbrushes) I assume you are also from the Philippines and I must say that your Dad is not the only one who insists on a hard toothbrush. I sometimes advise my patients to at least use medium when they are insistent and to be very careful not to apply much force when brushing. Doing so gradually wears away the protective enamel of teeth exposing the sensitive dentin layer.To better understand what I'm talking about, try eating fresh green mango then brush your teeth after.The increased sensitivity you may feel would most probably be from the abrasions on the neck of teeth just above or below the gumline.It is also wise to invest on a good quality toothbrush and do change it every 3 months. :)
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
wow, we do have a dentist here in mylot! OK. I will try doing what you said. wait, I know that it is out of the topic but, I'll grab this opportunity to ask you.. I want to make my teeth whiter, would you suggest any products to use? or home made one? thanks!thanks in advance! anyway, I believe that those toothbrush which has a good quality is expensive than other normal toothbrush.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
Good quality toothbrushes sell from P70 to P120 so think about it this way: it's 70 cents to P1.30 a day for squeaky clean, abrasion-free teeth.That is definitely much less than mobile load we consume daily.:) On the issue of teeth whitening, it depends on the degree of "whiteness" you want.If you want pearly whites that are about 10-12 shades lighter and with longer lasting results,I suggest you go for professional laser whitening.This for me is the best!The procedure is only about one hour and the results are fantastic.Sensitivity is very minimal and tolerable.It could be pricey though but if you're in Manila I could give you a recommendation so you get a big discount.The cheaper alternative is the standard tray procedure.It is half the price of laser but it takes 3 dental appointments and do-at-home procedure.Teeth get about 5-7 shades lighter.You will experience tooth sensitivity for some time.For maintenance,you could use whitening toothpastes. If you're opting for a really cheap whitening (albeit minimal), just use the good ol' baking soda.After brushing, put baking soda on your damp toothbrush and brush your teeth as you would with toothpaste.They will feel squeaky clean and baking soda helps in removing stains.Try it!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
can you suggest what's the best toothbrush to use? I mean the exact brand of it, so that I wouldn't find a hard time to choose. so how much will it cause? I am sure it is expensive. I really wanted to try it.. and please do suggest some tips on how not to have a yellowish teeth. and is it true that yellowish teeth are a lot more stronger than the white ones? for the baking soda, is it safe? I've search baking soda, there's powder and soda types of it, what am I going to choose? which is more effective? and how many times should I use that? thank you so much. I know that I have a lot of questions, but I really wanted to know. please! it will be very helpful! thanks in advance!
• United States
2 Sep 08
I prefer a soft bristle tooth brush, because of my gum problems. I was diagnosed with gingivitis by my dentist, and was told that under no circumstances should I use a hard bristled brush. The reason is, is that the harder bristles damage the soft gum tissue, and cause bleeding. Especially when there is any kind of gum disease present. I am now gingivitis free, due to getting all my teeth fixed, but I am still under orders to continue with the soft bristled brush, so I do not risk damaging my gums again.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Sep 08
it's good to know that.!
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
is your gum OK now? good for you that you seek professional with your gum problem.
• United States
3 Sep 08
Yes, my gums are better now:) I brush and floss daily, and I keep my new repaired teeth in good shape, and my gums no longer bleed. It is the best feeling, when your mouth is healthy again!
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Sep 08
I like the hard ones
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Sep 08
if that's what you think is good for you.
@djoyce71 (2511)
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
I had this gum problem before and my doctor advised me to use soft bristled toothbrush because it will not irritate the gums. I change it every two months. Good day!
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
with the gum problem like us, we really need to use soft bristled toothbrush.
@eagle_f15 (1827)
• Malaysia
2 Sep 08
I think this is individual prefereance. I use soft bristle flexible neck toothbrush (Aquafresh brand) as it is suitable and good for my teeth and gums. I cna't use medium or hard they will cause my gums to bleed. My husband on the other hand uses medium bristle toothbrush.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
same here.. it was so good to our gum.
• Philippines
3 Sep 08
I go for soft bristles. My gums bleed easily too with the hard bristles. But you can't force your father to want soft bristles. For some, hard bristle is okay because their gums may be much stronger and thus, dont bleed easily.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Sep 08
yeah. same here. that's what I already bought him. and he likes it a lot.
@sumiirajj (1983)
• India
2 Sep 08
Hi friend,I prefer soft bristles for my tooth brush.As hard bristles hurts a lot and I get bleeding gums.I read that hard bristles makes the teeth lose its enamel and tooth becomes sensitive when brushed roughly.But we only think that hard bristles clean thoroughly,.thanks for sharing,happy mylotting.
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
yeah , other mylotter told that to me also, and that's not good. so we really need to take care of our gums.
@tianli (311)
• China
2 Sep 08
You'd better ask a professional, as for me, I like a soft toothbrush.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
2 Sep 08
same here tianli.