October 1, 2015 I should opt for a soft bristled toothbrush over a hard bristled one. TRUE. Hard bristled toothbrushes can damage the surface of your teeth and gums. Soft bristled brushes actually do a better job of cleaning between teeth. You may be surprised to hear that you can also brush too much. Brushing more than two or three times a day, especially if you’re brushing too hard, can also damage or irritate your gums and wear down your tooth enamel. Remember that brushing isn’t about using force, but rather about brushing often enough (twice a day) and long enough (2 minutes at a time). Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth with the bristles pointing at your gums, and use gentle motions. The same goes for flossing. Instead of forcing floss between the teeth, gently slide it along the curve of each tooth.