There are several types of brushes available at the store – extra soft, soft, medium and hard-bristled. Dentists mostly recommend soft or extra soft brushes, as it reduces the risk of damaging the oral tissues. The use of hard bristled toothbrushes causes the enamel to wear off, leading to tooth loss. Using hard-bristled toothbrush may also infect the gum line, and may cause it to be infected with gingivitis.
The quality of the bristles is only one of the factors that affect the teeth. The shape and design of the bristles play a major role as well. Research has shown, that brushes with closely knit bristles can host the most bacteria, so it is important to replace these after a cold or prolonged use. When you brush, it is important not to use a strong force. Brushing with powerful strokes can weaken the enamel, giving rise to tooth decay.