Blonde woman brushes her teeth

3 Brushing Techniques To Try

January 31, 2022 2:29 am

Dentists recommend cleaning your teeth at least twice a day, but did you know there’s more than one way to brush? Here are three brushing techniques that might work for you:

Bass Technique

The classic technique is very effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease. Hold your toothbrush parallel to your teeth and angle the brush so it’s at a 45-degree angle pointing toward the gumline. The bristles should be slightly under the gumline. With gentle pressure, brush back and forth. You can also use a circular motion. Brush 15-20 times. Using this same motion, brush your teeth’s outer surface and then brush the back of your teeth. When you brush behind your front teeth, brush up and down. Next, brush your molars and tongue!

Stillman Technique

If you have gum disease, this is a good method. It’s like the Bass technique but it removes more food debris and plaque from between your teeth. Hold the brush at 45-degrees toward your gumline. Half of the brush bristles should cover your gums while the other half is on your tooth surface. Make very gentle, short horizontal brushes. While the Bass technique targets plaque below the gumline, Stillman goes for plaque above the gumline.

Charter Technique

This is a good technique if you have braces! Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, pointing the tip toward the tooth’s chewing surface. Gently brush back and forth or in small circles. Continue until you’ve brushed the front and back of your teeth. Finish up with your molars and tongue.

Combine Daily Brushing with Routine Dental Visits!

You can maintain great oral health with simple brushing techniques but some work better than others depending on your needs! You can combine techniques too. With great brushing at home and regular cleanings and exams with our team, you can avoid cavities and gum disease. Please contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment at The Smile Club Dentistry & Orthodontics.

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