Proper Toothbrushing Techniques

1. Proper Toothbrushing Techniques By: Carole Steidl

2. Toothbrushing Techniques • The Bass Method • The Rolling Stroke • The Stillman Method • The Charters Method

3. The Bass Method • Position the filaments up toward the root at a 45° angle to the teeth. • Place the brush with the filament tips directed into the gingival sulcus. Bass Method

4. Bass Method cont. • Using a vibratory stroke brush back and forth with very short strokes for the count of ten. • Reposition the brush to the next group of teeth.

5. The Roll Method • Direct the filaments toward the root of the tooth. • Place side of the brush on the gingiva and have the plastic part of the brush even with the tooth.

6. Roll Method cont. • When the plastic portion is even with the tooth press the filaments against the gingiva and roll the brush over the teeth. • The wrist is turned slightly and the filaments follow the contours of the teeth.

7. The Stillman’s Method • Like the Bass Method the filaments are placed at a 45° angle to the tooth. • Unlike the Bass Method the filaments are placed half in the sulcus and half on the gingiva. • The same stroke is used as the Bass.

8. The Charter’s Method • Position the filaments toward the chewing surface of the tooth • Place the sides of the filaments against the enamel and angle them at a 45° to the tooth.

9. Charter’s Method cont. • Vibrate the filaments gently but firmly, keeping the filaments against the tooth. • Reposition on the next set of teeth.

10. Toothbrushing Techniques • There are several different acceptable tooth brushing methods because each patient has different needs. • Not one method is perfect for all patients. Some patients may use more than one method.

11. Toothbrush Methods • The important thing is to brush thoroughly for at least two minutes each time and two times a day….

12. Quote from Soupy Sales • “Be true to your teeth or they will be false to you” By: Carole Steidl