Which type of manual toothbrush is primarily recommended by dental professionals?

Dental professionals primarily recommend soft-bristled brushes for a variety of reasons centered around effective plaque removal while minimizing damage to the gums and enamel. Soft bristles are gentle enough to prevent irritation of the gum tissue, which can lead to gum recession and sensitivity. Additionally, these brushes effectively clean between teeth and along the gum line, which is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene.

Contrarily, hard-bristled brushes can be too abrasive and may cause wear on tooth enamel and damage to gums. Medium-bristled brushes, while not as harsh as hard bristles, still do not provide the same gentle cleaning that soft bristles offer. Textured bristled brushes are designed to enhance cleaning efficacy but can also contribute to gum trauma if used with high pressure. Overall, the emphasis from dental professionals on soft-bristled brushes is based on their balance of effectiveness in cleaning and gentleness on the mouth's soft tissues.