Most dentist are recommending the soft ones. You might try different brands--some seem a little more firm, but still soft than others. Watch for sales, and different stores charge different prices. They also need to be changed more that my Soni Care. I think about every 3 months.

I use an electric toothbrush, I think the brushes are closer to medium than soft.

Not too long ago I used a regular human-powered toothbrush that was a soft one and really didn't like it! I found myself brushing HARDER to get the clean feeling I was looking for. Are you doing that too?

I really prefer my electric one.

Soft brushes are easier on the gums, which is supposed to be how to use a toothbrush. Angle the soft bristles into your gum line, and gently move back and forth. Not supposed to "scrub" your teeth, just remove plaque.
Must get into the gum line on both sides of a tooth.(cheek and tongue) Then use floss, and you're good to go.

Soft is what the dentists recommends here too.
I accidently picked up medium last time I was at Walmart. Two of the blasted things and I don't like them, soft is better IMO. I can't wait til I can toss these.

Soft brush here. Easier on the gums.
Leslie

Always soft. I use a manual toothbrush and brush like Foggy says. I also carry floss with me everywhere. Can't stand to have food between my teeth.

Soft toothbrush is also easy on your teeth. The important thing is to brush it thoroughly and not harshly.

Using medium (or harder) toobrush or brushing agressively may remove the enamel that coats and protects your teeth.

If you feel pain/soar when you drink hot/cold water, it could mean that you've removed the enamel of your teeth. That is if your pain/soar is in large areas. If it's only at one tooth, then, you need to have it check out.

The enamel will build back up when brushing with a soft toothbrush. You will feel a different in about 3-4 weeks.

Since, we're on teeth subject, you may also be careful using toothpaste with tartar control. Tartar control toothpaste may be sensitive to some people. When you brush and see white slimy stuff when spitting out, that is your skin inside your mouth coming off. Try switching to another toothpaste without tartar control. The skin will come back.

The best cleaning toothpaste is one that not only has fluoride but also has peroxide and baking soda. After brushing, you will feel as if you just got a cleaning from the dentist.

Although, I've seen some people actually swallow toothpaste, you should not. Too much fluoride and peroxide can be poisonous.

Couple of more tips that I forgot to mention.

1) Avoid using tooth picks. It tends to widen the area between your teeth which allows food to stuck in there. If it's too late for you, floss thoroughly daily.

2) If you use electric toothbrush, brush your teeth gently but thoroughly since the brush is not as soft as it should be.

Gosh! I just use the free one they give me every 6 mos. I've read you're supposed to change more often than that, but I don't. I've also read to clean them periodically w/ hydrogen peroxide or bleach, especially when you're sick! I think germs love to grow on toothbrushes.

I am TOTALLY hooked on my Sonicare toothbrush. If it broke tonight, I'd have a new one tomorrow.

My dentist recommended it to me several times, but it took my son's recommendation before I actually bought one. Love it, love it, love it!

Soft.

Firm. The soft and medium just don't clean my teeth well. Useing less that a firm brush has been the only time I've had cavities in years. My gums are just fine - thank you.

Linda