Tooth brushing technique according to Bass

One of the best known tooth brushing techniques is the method according to Bass (1954). The Bass technique is comparatively difficult to learn and is suitable for motivated patients who suffer from gingival or periodontal problems. This technique cleans the interdental spaces very well.

In the application, the bristles of the toothbrushes are placed at a 45 degree angle to the tooth root, pointing towards the gum line with slight pressure. Now the brush head is moved on the spot with shaking movements. Then a wiping movement is performed, moving the bristles towards the occlusal surface.

The food residues and plaque, which are mainly deposited in the interdental spaces, are removed by the shaking and wiping movements. The process is repeated several times at the same position and then follows the dental arch. Special care must be taken to ensure that this technique is performed correctly. It is very easy to fall into the more comfortable ‘scrubbing’ technique, which has very little effect on cleaning the interdental spaces.

Tooth brushing technique for adults according to Stillmann

Another well-known cleaning technique is the method according to Stillmann or also called modified Stillman technique. With this technique the interdental spaces are cleaned better than by using the other brushing techniques. It is particularly suitable for patients with healthy periodontal structures (periodontal apparatus) or for patients with exposed tooth necks.

In this technique, the bristles are placed at an angle of 70 – 80 degrees to the root of the tooth, pointing towards the gum line, and under pressure of a few millimeters. Now small jerking and circular movements follow. During these movements the brush head is moved slowly in the direction of the occlusal surface. It is very important not to turn the brush head, i.e. to change its angle. A change in the working direction is necessary for both upper and lower teeth.

What is the best way to brush with an electric toothbrush?

When using an electric toothbrush, you leave the work to the brush head. The electric toothbrush is guided along all tooth surfaces. It is important to make sure that the electric toothbrush actually travels along all surfaces – inner surfaces, outer surfaces, occlusal surfaces.

The appropriate brushing technique for electric toothbrushes depends on the type of toothbrush. There are electric toothbrushes with a small round bristle head.With this you have to brush each tooth individually from all sides. Furthermore, there are electric toothbrushes with a wider head, which grasps several teeth at once.

The electric toothbrush is placed on the edge of the gum, left there for a short time and then moved towards the chewing surface. A distinction is also made between rotating electric toothbrushes and the ultrasonic activated toothbrushes. The latter are recommended in order to achieve an optimal brushing result.