The gentle surprise of a soft-bristled toothbrush
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for the gentle surprise of a soft-bristled toothbrush.
I don’t think I’ve consciously avoided using soft-bristled toothbrushes in the past. I do know dentists recommend them. Nonetheless, for years I have purchased medium-bristle brushes. It felt like the stiffer bristles more effectively cleaned my teeth. And if my gums occasionally bled? Well, that just meant the toothbrush was doing its job.
Then last weekend we went out of town, and I didn’t unpack my toiletry kit right away when we returned, so when I reached for a toothbrush, my usual one wasn’t there.
Instead, I grabbed a spare toothbrush from the cabinet. It was a slim translucent gray, no brand name to be seen. And the bristles were SO SOFT.
I’m so used to treating my mouth like a dirty tile floor, my toothbrush the scouring pad necessary to clean off the grime.
But what if I don’t need a scouring pad? What if a gentle massage is entirely sufficient? Because, wow, using a soft-bristled toothbrush feels different. Pleasant. Kind.
It’s a small change to make, switching from medium bristles to soft bristles. But small changes are important. They add up. And for this one, I am simply grateful.
Love > fear,
Christina