Everyone knows that Tooth Brushing is very essential for good oral hygiene. However, most of the people do not brush their teeth with the proper Tooth Brushing Technique.
Improper Tooth Brushing Technique leads to inadequate teeth cleansing, which leads to bad oral hygiene. This results in the development of common oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum diseases which are actually preventable.
There are several techniques of Tooth Brushing which include Horizontal Scrub Technique, Bass Technique, Charters Technique, Modified Charters Technique, Modified Bass Technique, Modified Stillman Technique, Fones Technique and etc. Every Tooth Brushing Technique has its own advantages, disadvantages, indications and contraindications.
However, the most recommended and commonly used Tooth Brushing Technique for normal healthy adults is Modified Bass Tooth Brushing Technique.
Importances of Modified Bass Technique:
- Suitable for everyone.
- Maintenance of Periodontal Health.
- Most effective in cleaning cervical 1/3 of teeth & beneath gingival (gum) margins.
- Cleanses periodontal sulcus (space between gum and tooth)
Modified Bass Tooth Brushing Technique (Steps):
- Hold the toothbrush against your teeth with some of the bristles touching the gums.
- Tilt the toothbrush so that the bristles are at 45 degree angle and pointing at the gum line.
- Move the toothbrush back and forth, using short strokes. The tips of bristles should stay in one place, but the head of the brush should wiggle back and forth. You also can make tiny circles with the toothbrush. This allows the bristles to slide gently under the gum. Do this for about 20 strokes or 20 circles.
- After the vibratory motion has been completed in each area, sweep the bristles over the crown of the tooth, toward biting surface of the tooth.
- Repeat for every tooth, on the insides and outsides.
- The toe bristles of the toothbrush can be used to clean the lingual (tongue) surface of the anterior teeth.
Brush your teeth with correct Tooth Brushing method at least twice per day with Fluoridated toothpaste. By applying these simple steps, Good Oral Health is possible for everyone.
Article written by,
Dr. Wong Kee Cheong (Tommy)
Dental Surgeon
BDS (AIMST), MBA (SEGi), YCDP