IMPORTANCE AND VARIOUS TOOTH BRUSHING TECHNIQUES

Many different types of toothbrushing methods are developed.The best methods are effective in removing plaque biofilm and debris, stimulate gingiva, and are able to deliver fluoridated dentrifice to the tooth surface . For adequacy in cleaning, 10 strokes are adviced for each area.

There are 6 tooth brushing methods :
(1)BASS METHOD
Importance
1) Most effective in cleaning cervical 1/3 & beneath gingival margins
2) Suitable for everyone – Periodontally healthy & periodontally disease
3) Periodontal maintenance
4) Cleanses sulcus (space between tooth and gums)

Direct bristles apically to sulcus at 45° to the long axis of the tooth. Use gentle force to insert bristles into sulcus.

Apply firm but gentle 10 back-and-forth strokes of vibratory motion without removing bristle ends from sulcus. Move brush head to the next group of teeth by overlapping with the completed area.

On the lingual surfaces of front teeth, brush is placed vertically and apply gentle vibratory motion of up-and-down strokes.On the chewing surface apply a motion of back-and-forth brushing strokes.

(2)STILLMAN’S METHOD
Importance
1) Provides gingival stimulation (vibratory motion)
2) Suitable for gingival recession (Toothbrush bristle ends not directed into sulcus)
3) Less traumatic to the gingiva
4) Who should use this?
People with continuous gingival recession

Direct bristles apically to sulcus at 45° to the long axis of the tooth .
Place bristles partly on the cervical part and on the gingiva.
Apply vibratory motion with slight pressure to stimulate gingiva.

Repeat for the lingual surface of the tooth

Use short back-and-forth strokes on the occlusal surfaces gently.
Place toothbrush perpendicular to the tooth surface.

(3) CHARTER’S METHOD
Importance
1) Efficiently cleans interproximal areas
2) Able to clean areas between fixed appliances (prosthetic and orthodontic) and gingival margins
3) Who should use this?
People with orthodontic and fixed prosthetic appliances
People who have just undergone periodontal surgery
(temporary cleaning of surgical wounds)

Place bristles horizontally and parallel to the arch at 45°at the gingival margin.
Direct bristles toward the crown of the tooth rather than the root.
Bristles are directed occlusally and vibrate into the interdental spaces.
Use short back-and-forth strokes for activation.
Repeat for other parts of the mouth until all areas are cleaned.

(4)MODIFIED BASS, CHARTER’S AND STILLMAN’S METHOD
Importance
1) Clean entire facial/buccal and lingual surfaces

A Bass or Stillman’s or Charter’s--Complete the original stroke to clean the cervical one-third

Roll toothbrush bristles to clean entire facial and lingual surfaces

(5)HORIZONTAL SCRUB
Importance

1) Most common method but has no benefits because it causes gingival recession

Move bristles horizontally using gentle scrubbing motions

(6)FONES’ (CIRCULAR)

Importance
1) An easy-to-learn first technique for young children

Teeth are held in occlusion.
Bristles are activated in a circular motion.