Bass Method of Brushing

Bass Tooth Brushing Technique

I. Purposes and Indications For all patients for bacterial plaque removal adjacent to and directly beneath the gum line Technique A. Grasp Brush Handle Direct the filaments apically (up for maxillary, down for mandibular teeth). B. Angle the Filaments Place the brush with the filament tips directed straight into the gingiva . The filaments will be directed at approximately 45 degrees to the long axis of the tooth. C. Press Lightly Without Flexing Press lightly so the filament tips enter the gingiva and cover the gingival margin. Do not bend the filaments. D. Vibrate the Brush Vibrate the brush back and forth with very short strokes without disengaging the tips of the filaments from the sulci. Count at least 10 vibrations.

Modified Bass Method

Modified Bass Method

(only currently recommended technique) This is widely excepted as the most effective measure for the removal of plaque around the gumline, this area being the most significant in the control of early and advanced gum disease. Direct the brush towards the roots of the teeth at a 45 angle. Press lightly but not enough to bend the bristles and then gently, with short movements, brush back and forth in a vibratory type action. This may seem a little more difficult behind (tongue/palate) the front teeth. If you use a pencil grip, it is easy to brush side-to-side in these areas.

Stillman Toothbrushing Method

For use of massage and stimulation of the gums, and cleaning directly above the gums Steps: Place the toothbrush bristles partly on the gums and partly above the gums Press side of brush lightly flexing the toothbrush bristles; gums should slightly blanchAngle toothbrush at 45-degree angle Use a back and forth rotary motion with light pressure

Modified Stillman method

This was designed for massage and stimulation (a very outdated notion) as well as cleaning, but is equally ineffective and more difficult to master than the Roll method as it employs both a rolling and a vibratory type action. The brush is placed with the bristles angled towards the tip of the roots and in contact with the gum tissue. It is then pressed until the gum blanches. The brush is simultaneously rolled away from the gums and vibrated, then repeated for each tooth.

Roll Stroke Method

Many of people were taught, and still use, the roll technique - this method does not clean the teeth well and pays little attention to the gum line, and therefore is ineffective. It is an awkward technique to master. The brush is placed against the gums and rolled away from the gums towards the biting or chewing surface.

Fones Brushing Method

This was probably one the first methods taught by the dental profession, especially in the US. Dr. Fones founded the first Dental Hygienists course in the US, and his technique was the standard method used for many years, it is often called the Circular method. With the teeth closed, place the tip of the bristles gently against the side of the back teeth. Sweep the brush vigorously over the tooth surface in a circular motion covering both upper and lower teeth working your way forward. When cleaning the front teeth, bring them edge to edge and continue brushing.

Charters Tooth brushing Method

Good cleaning between teeth Limited sulcular cleaning Useful around orthodontics, bands, fixed prostheses

Steps: Place the toothbrush away from the gums Press lightly Vibrate the brush gently Count 10 strokes Reposition the brush and repeat

Dental Embrasures

Spool Method of Flossing

There are two types of floss from which to choose: Nylon floss PTFE (monofilament) floss USED IN TYPE I EMBRASURES

Floss Holder

Great for dislodging particles between teeth

Easy flossing with one hand

Steps:
Tightly string floss on holder v Select an area to begin flossing and floss throughout the mouth v Set a fulcrum on the cheek or in the mouth v Use a gentle seesaw motion to pass between the teeth v Guide the floss to the gum line v Curve the floss into a C shape against the tooth v Slide it gently into the space between the gingiva and the tooth v Use both hands to move the floss up and down on one side of the tooth v Use a push and pull motion with floss holder v Continue until all teeth are completed v Dispose of floss Wash off floss holder with warm water and soap, dry, and store in clean, dry area until next use

Floss Threader
Used for flossing under bridges, orthodontic appliances, implants, and between connected crowns Type I embrasure

v Break off a piece of floss from the spool 4 to 6 inches long v Thread the floss through eye of floss threader, overlapping floss 1 to 2 inches v Grasp threader with thumb and index finger of one hand v Insert tip of threader from the front surface through an opening between the teeth v Pull floss threader towards the inner end of teeth until threader has passed completely through between the teeth v Slide the floss threader off the floss and remove from mouth

Proxa Brush

Works well in wide embrasures: Type II and III for reducing gingival inflammation and exposed root areas
Steps: v Moisten the bristles of the brush with saliva

v v v v v v

Insert bristles into embrasure at a 90-degree angle to tooth surface (long axis of the tooth) Move brush using in-and-out motion from outside and/or inside surfaces of appropriate areas Rinse bristles under running water as necessary to remove debris Upon completion of use, rinse entire handle and bristles with soap and warm water Store in clean, dry place Replace bristles as they become worn or splayed, after an illness, or every 3 months.

Rubber Tips
Rubber or plastic tips are recommended for gingival massage, for plaque removal in open embrasure, type II and III embrasures, margins tissue following periodontal surgery and exposed roots. TECHNIQUE

Place side of the rubber tip interdentally and slight pointing upwards at 45 degrees angle. Move in and out with slow stroke, rubbing the tip against the teeth under the contact area. Remove from the space between teeth and trace the gum line with the tip position just below the margin following the contour of the gum. Once all appropriate areas are completed, rinse stimulator with soap and warm water, then store in a clean, dry place. Replace rubber tip as it becomes worn, cracked or splayed.

Denture Care

Denture Care
Dentures can break, so always fill the sink with water, then clean your dentures over the sink, just in case they slip out of your hands by accident. Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as they can damage the denture material.

Rinse dentures well under the faucet to remove all traces of cleaning paste. Rinse your dentures thoroughly to remove loose food particles. Use cool or warm water. But never use hot water it can warp your dentures.

While you sleep at night, soak your dentures in a cleanser (such as Fixodent) or one recommended by your dental professional. Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Then reinsert your dentures.

Apply a denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use ordinary toothpaste, bleach, vinegar or soap unless directed to do so by your dental professional.

DENTAL IMPLANT CARE

CARING FOR YOUR IMPLANTS YOUR IMPLANTS CAN SERVE YOU FOR YEARS IF YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH HEALTHY AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR IMPLANTS. JUST LIKE YOUR NATURAL TEETH, YOU SHOULD BRUSH AFTER EVERY MEAL. SPECIAL CLEANING AIDS A SMALL TOOTH BRUSH OR SPECIAL INTERDENTAL BRUSH CAN BE USED TO CLEAN THE ABUTMENTS. USE A BRUSH WITH A BENT HANDLE TO REACH BEHIND YOUR TEETH TO CLEAN THE ABUTMENTS. USE GAUZE OR SPECIAL FLOSS WITH A FOAM COATING TO CLEAN AROUND YOUR GUMS, ABUTMENTS AND PROSTHETIC TEETH.

FIXED

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