Your Toothbrush Is Probably Too Hard

Firmer bristles don't clean better — they wear you down.

Medium and hard toothbrushes feel like they're doing a more thorough job. They're often doing damage instead.

Scrubbing isn't cleaning

Plaque is soft; it doesn't take stiff bristles or force to remove. Hard bristles and heavy pressure can wear down enamel over time and push back the gums (gum recession), which exposes sensitive roots and doesn't grow back.

Soft wins

Dentists almost universally recommend a soft brush with a gentle, angled technique. It cleans just as well without the collateral damage. Electric brushes help because many cap the pressure for you.

The move

Switch to soft bristles, let the brush do the work instead of your arm, and replace it every ~3 months (or when the bristles splay). If yours looks frayed, it's already too old.

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