Many people brush sideways very hard, yet plaque right at the gum line remains. The Bass technique is often shown by dentists to clean this spot without using force.
- The Bass technique places the bristles at about 45 degrees toward the gum line and vibrates gently.
- It cleans plaque at the neck of the teeth without hard sideways scrubbing.
- Use a soft brush for about two minutes, twice a day.
- Cleaning between the teeth with floss is still needed.
The part of the tooth next to the gum line is where plaque builds up most, and it is also where sideways brushing often misses. The Bass technique places the bristles at about 45 degrees pointing toward the gum line and vibrates gently, which cleans plaque at the neck of the teeth and in the gum groove without hard scrubbing.
Steps of the Bass technique
- Use a soft toothbrush with a head that fits your mouth.
- Place the bristles at about 45 degrees to the tooth surface, with the tips pointing toward the gum line.
- Vibrate gently in small circles for a few dozen strokes on each group of two or three teeth, without pushing hard.
- Lift the brush to the next group of teeth and repeat until all outer and inner surfaces are done.
- For the inside of the front teeth, tilt the brush upright and brush one tooth at a time.
- Brush the chewing surfaces with short back and forth strokes, then clean the tongue gently.
- Take about two minutes in total, twice a day.
Common mistakes
- Scrubbing sideways very hard, which can wear the neck of the teeth and make the gum recede, see what to do about sensitive teeth.
- Using a hard bristled brush, see soft or hard toothbrush.
- Brushing too quickly and not giving each group of teeth enough time.
- Skipping the inner surfaces and the back teeth.
Combine it with cleaning between teeth
Brushing only cleans the tooth surfaces, while between the teeth you need floss, see how to floss correctly every day and how many times a day to brush. If your gums often bleed, read what bleeding gums mean.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can show you a brushing method that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bass toothbrushing technique?
Placing the bristles at about 45 degrees toward the gum line and vibrating gently to clean plaque at the neck of the teeth and in the gum groove.
Is brushing sideways hard a good idea?
No. Hard sideways brushing can wear the neck of the teeth, make gums recede and cause sensitivity, and still miss plaque at the gum line.
How long should I brush each time?
About two minutes, twice a day, with a soft toothbrush.