Modified Bass Technique

Question:

I’ve recently heard on the news that your brushing technique really matters and that most professionals recommend the modified bass technique.  What is that exactly?

Answer:

Modified bass Technique

Believe it or not, there are several techniques that may be used when brushing your teeth.  However, studies have shown that the most popular and by far the most effective technique is the Modified Bass Technique.

What is the Modified Bass Technique?

The key to this technique is making sure that your toothbrush bristles are angled at 45 degrees towards the area where the tooth meets the gum line.

Here is the exact step by step as taken from our Brushing article (Brushing article includes a step-by-step photo)

• Start by placing the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle on the front surface of the back teeth. Move the toothbrush in small circular motions. Make sure that you brush the tooth and especially the area where the tooth meets the gums.
• With this circular motion, slowly move forward towards the front teeth. Don’t rush!! Be sure to take your time and clean off all food debris and plaque. If you are having the problems with the brush fitting in your mouth, angle it vertically and continue to brush at a 45 degree angle the front surface and gum line.
• Continue to move around the arch and cover the back teeth on the opposite side.
• Repeat these steps with the back of the teeth as well (the side of the teeth that is closest to the tongue)
• Next, place the toothbrush bristles on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (known in the dental world as the occlusal surface).
• Move the toothbrush back in forth in a “scrubbing motion”. Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth, even the front teeth.
• Rinse your toothbrush, place on tongue, and gently run the bristles over your tongue. The tongue can also harbor bacteria and cavity causing germs and must be cleaned as well.

Just because you are brushing your teeth doesn’t necessarily mean that you are doing an effective job.  Be sure to use the proper technique to ensure that you remove as much plaque, bacteria, and food debris as possible.

Remember to brush AT LEAST twice daily and definitely RIGHT BEFORE GOING TO BED.

Next Up: Read our Flossing Tips Here

Brushing: When and How to do it

Did you know that there are different techniques for brushing your teeth?  And yes, they even have their own names.

Brushing Methods

There is the Bass method, Charter’s method, Modified Bass techinique, Modified Stillman method, etc.  The most popular and most recommended is the Bass method.

Bass Method Step by Step Directions

Step-by-step directions are offered below:

• Start by placing the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle on the front surface of the back teeth. Move the toothbrush in small circular motions. Make sure that you brush the tooth and especially the area where the tooth meets the gums.
• With this circular motion, slowly move forward towards the front teeth. Don’t rush!! Be sure to take your time and clean off all food debris and plaque. If you are having the problems with the brush fitting in your mouth, angle it vertically and continue to brush at a 45 degree angle the front surface and gum line.
• Continue to move around the arch and cover the back teeth on the opposite side.
• Repeat these steps with the back of the teeth as well (the side of the teeth that is closest to the tongue)
• Next, place the toothbrush bristles on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (known in the dental world as the occlusal surface).
• Move the toothbrush back in forth in a “scrubbing motion”. Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth, even the front teeth.
• Rinse your toothbrush, place on tongue, and gently run the bristles over your tongue. The tongue can also harbor bacteria and cavity causing germs and must be cleaned as well.

Remember, a beautiful smile leaves a lasting impression.

Happy Brushing!