Table of Contents
Introduction
Can someone achieve a healthy smile by just brushing their teeth? The answer is no, it takes a lot of work including using the right techniques. In this guide, I will guide you about different professional tooth brushing techniques, including Stillman, Bass, Modified Bass, Fones, Charter’s, and Roll techniques, which will help you to perform them accurately.
Why Is Tooth Brushing Important?
Tooth brushing is the main way to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. Plaque can cause cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath, and if left untreated, it can harden into calculus, which can only be removed by a dentist.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. You should brush your teeth in the morning and at night, preferably after meals or snacks. Brushing more than twice a day can be harmful, as it can erode your enamel and cause gum recession.
What Is Tooth Brushing Technique?
Tooth brushing technique is the right method of using a toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums. Proper tooth brushing technique is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and will help prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum diseases.
Types Of Tooth Brushing Techniques
There are different types of brushing techniques and each technique has its pros and cons, according to your oral condition and preference. Some of the techniques are as follows:
1. The Stillman Technique:
The Stillman brushing technique is a method that focuses on gum health and plaque removal. Here’s how it’s done:
Hold the Toothbrush: Grasp your toothbrush so that the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface.
Place the Bristles: Position the bristles against the gumline gently. The bristles should touch both the gums and the teeth.
Vibrate and Roll: Begin with a gentle vibrating or rolling motion. This helps to remove plaque and debris from the tooth’s surface.
Repeat: Continue this motion for about 10-15 strokes on each tooth, working your way around your mouth.
Chewing Surfaces: After addressing the gumline, switch to a horizontal scrubbing motion to clean the chewing surfaces.
Rinse: Finish by rinsing your mouth to remove dislodged debris and plaque.
2. The Bass Technique:
The Bass technique of brushing, also called sulcular brushing, is intended to clean the gumline and the spaces between your teeth. This is the way it’s performed:
- Position the Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, very much like in the Stillman method.
- Insert the Bristles: Gently insrt the bristles into the spaces between your teeth and gums.
- Vibrate and Sweep: Use gentle vibrations, sweep the bristles along the gumline and between the teeth. Make sure the bristles go under the gumline without causing discomfort.
- Repeat for Each Tooth: Use this procedure for each tooth in your mouth.
- Chewing Surfaces: Finish up by brushing the chewing surfaces with a horizontal scrubbing motion.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mouth to dispose of any loosened debris.
3. Modified Bass Technique:
The Modified Bass brushing technique is a slight different from Bass technique and is particularly successful at eliminating plaque from the gumline and between teeth. Here’s how to perform it:
- Position the Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree point to your teeth, like the Bass method.
- Insert the Bristles: Gently insert the bristles between the teeth and the gumline.
- Vibrate and Sweep: Using exceptionally gentle vibrations, sweep the bristles along the gumline and between the teeth. Make sure the bristles go under the gumline without causing discomfort.
- Repeat for Each Tooth: Use this method for each tooth in your mouth.
- Chewing Surfaces: Finish by brushing the chewing surfaces with a horizontal scrubbing motion.
- Rinse: Finish up by rinsing your mouth to eliminate any loosened debris.
.
4. Charter's Technique:
The Charter’s technique is designed for people with orthodontic appliances like braces. It guarantees that all surfaces, including those around brackets and wires, are properly cleaned.
- Brush Around Braces: Position your toothbrush at an angle, permitting you to brush both above and below the brackets.
- Brush the Gumline: Brush along the gumline and under the wires to clean these areas effectively.
- Chewing Surfaces and Tongue: Remember to brush the chewing surfaces and your tongue for complete oral hygiene. You can also use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue.
5. Roll Technique:
The Roll brushing technique is a simple and effective technique for eliminating plaque and debris from the teeth and gums.
- Hold the Brush: Hold your toothbrush with the bristles at a 45-degree angle to your teeth.
- Begin Rolling: Start by rolling the brush head away from the gumline. This rolling motion helps remove plaque and food particles.
- Repeat: Continue with this rolling motion for all teeth, making sure that you address both upper and lower teeth.
- Rinse: Finish up by rinsing your mouth to eliminate any loosened debris.
6. Fones Technique
The Fones brushing technique is suitable for small kids and is a fun way to introduce them to proper tooth brushing. It includes making circular motions on the teeth, including both the upper and lower teeth.
- Hold the Toothbrush: Hold the toothbrush with the bristles at a 90-degree angle to the teeth.
- Make Circles: Make circular motions with the toothbrush, covering every one of the teeth in your mouth. Try to incorporate both upper and lower teeth.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After brushing, rinse your mouth to eliminate any loosened debris.
What Else Can You Do To Improve Your Oral Hygiene?
- Besides brushing your teeth, you should also floss your teeth at least once a day, preferably before brushing. Flossing can also prevent gum disease and bad breath.
- Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which can provide your teeth with essential nutrients and minerals.
- Drinking plenty of water, especially fluoridated water, which can help wash away plaque and bacteria, and prevent dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Avoiding tobacco products, which can stain your teeth, damage your gums, and cause oral cancer.
- Limiting alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate your mouth and erode your enamel.
- Chewing sugar-free gum, which can stimulate saliva production and neutralize acids in your mouth.
Conclusion:
Including these different tooth-brushing techniques in your oral hygiene routine will help maintain excellent oral health. No matter which technique you are using, it’s important to brush at least two times every day, follow these techniques, and go for regular dental check-ups. Proper oral care will result in a brilliant and healthy smile that reflects your dedication to maintaining good dental hygiene.
