If you find yourself feeling like Goldilocks in the toothbrush aisle, you’re not alone. Should you go for something as scrubby and tough as possible? Something plush and luxurious? Is there a ‘just right’ toothbrush? Every type of toothbrush serves a different purpose, and although dentists agree on what’s best for most folks, understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your oral care.
Let’s break down soft, medium, and hard bristles
What Are The Options?
The firmness of toothbrush bristles is determined by the thickness and flexibility of the fibers used. There are 3 general types:
Soft bristles: Thin, flexible fibers designed to be gentle on teeth and gums
Medium bristles: Slightly thicker and firmer, offering a stronger brushing sensation
Hard bristles: The stiffest option, providing a more abrasive clean
Want to know what most dental professionals recommend?
Soft Bristles: Recommended for Most People
The American Dental Association recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes for most people. Why? Soft-bristle toothbrushes are gentle enough to avoid damaging tooth enamel and gum tissue, yet still super effective at removing plaque and debris.
Benefits of soft bristles:
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Gentle on gums and enamel
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Ideal for people with sensitive teeth or gum recession
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Better at adapting to each unique gum line
When paired with proper brushing technique—gentle pressure and circular motions—a soft-bristled brush is more than capable of delivering a thorough clean.
Soft bristles are surprisingly effective because they have the flexibility to sweep below the gumline - our Cocobrush is an excellent extra-soft bristle option that's not only 16x better at cleaning better between teeth, it cleans deep below the gumline whether other brushes tend to miss.
More into your electric toothbrush? We’ve got soft-bristled Electric Brush Refills that are 60% more effective at cleaning your smile too.
**compared to a standard electric toothbrush replacement head
Medium Bristles: Cool With a Caveat
Medium bristles are slightly firmer than soft ones, offering a more robust feel while brushing. Some people prefer the sensation of a medium bristle, but be mindful of how hard you’re brushing. Medium-bristle brushes can cause wear on enamel and irritation to the gums over time, especially if you brush too intensely.
Consider medium bristles if you:
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don’t have sensitive gums or enamel
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prefer a firmer brushing experience
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can maintain a light hand while brushing
If you use a medium-bristle brush, pay extra attention to your brushing technique—let the bristles do the work, and avoid scrubbing back and forth with pressure.
Hard Bristles: Hard Pass
While hard-bristled toothbrushes are the stiffest option and can remove surface stains more aggressively—they’re generally not recommended for regular use. The rigidity of the bristles can lead to increased risk for:
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enamel erosion
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gum recession
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greater tooth sensitivity
While they may have limited use in certain cases—such as cleaning dentures or appliances—they’re not the best for brushing your teeth daily. We’ll always preach it, brushing hard ≠ more effective!
Which Should You Choose?
For most folks, a soft-bristled toothbrush is the safest and most effective option. It provides a thorough clean while minimizing the risk of damaging your teeth and gums. Regardless of the bristle type, your brushing technique, duration, and consistency matter most.
As long as you stay gentle, consistent, and thorough with your brushing, you’ll be on your way to better oral health. Of course, don’t be shy—talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about their best brush recommendations.
