Soft toothbrushes are better for the health of your enamel and gums than medium or hard bristled toothbrushes. Soft toothbrushes have a smaller diameter bristle that is more flexible so it can slip between your teeth and along your gum line where tartar tends to collect. Using a harder bristled brush along with vigorous scrubbing can expose your roots and wear away at your enamel. Using a gentle massaging motion and angling your soft bristled brush towards the gum line is the best way to clean your teeth. Another alternative is to use an Oral B or Sonicare toothbrush, which should be held gently against the tooth, angled downward. Slowly move the brush to each tooth spending about 2 minutes for your entire mouth. With a manual tooth brush, it should take 3 ½-4 minutes to brush all of your teeth. If you press too hard with an Oral B brush, you will hear the motor strain. Treating your teeth with care is always the best choice.