A hard bristle toothbrush is not commonly found in stores because most dental professionals recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles. Hard bristled toothbrushes can negatively impact the enamel and gums, especially for those who have signs of erosion or sensitive teeth. Hard bristled brushes are more effective at cleaning bacteria than a soft bristled brush, but they are harder on your gums. Hard bristled brushes can irritate your gums and cause pain, make your gums swell, and make it uncomfortable to eat for a few hours after brushing. They can also make microscopic cuts in the surfaces of your gums, which may cause your gums to bleed and make them more susceptible to gum disease.
Toothbrush bristles are almost always made of nylon, which is a synthetic fiber that can withstand all of the water and ingredients that usually come in non-abrasive toothpaste. Nylon is strong and flexible, and it doesnt degrade or break down in water or with the types of ingredients usually found in toothpaste, which makes for a toothbrush with a longer usable life. Some manufacturers use boar (pig) hair bristles to manufacture an all-natural toothbrush, but they tend to retain bacteria and are not suitable for vegetarians. Most manufacturers of natural toothbrushes use a nylon bristle, often with a high blend of plant oils blended in to make sure the toothbrush is safe and effective.
In summary, hard bristle toothbrushes are not recommended by dental professionals due to their negative impact on the enamel and gums. Toothbrush bristles are almost always made of nylon, which is a synthetic fiber that can withstand all of the water and ingredients that usually come in non-abrasive toothpaste.
