How soft should your toothbrush be?

The softness of the bristles matters more than people think. It's the difference between a brush that cleans your teeth and one that wears down your gums over time. Here's the spectrum, from softest to hardest.

Extra soft

The gentlest option. For people with gum issues, sensitive gums, or those recovering from dental surgery.

Soft

What dentists recommend for most people. Gentle on gums and enamel without compromising the clean.

Medium

Stiffer bristles for those who prefer a more intense cleaning. Can be too harsh on sensitive gums.

Hard

Stiff bristles that scrub aggressively. Over time they can damage gums and wear down enamel. Not recommended for daily use, with rare exceptions like denture cleaning.