Toothbrushing methods
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- Bass method
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- Charters method
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- Stillmans method
These are the most common toothbrushing techniques recommended by dental hygienists and dentists that will help you maintain a good oral hygiene
Bass (Sulcular)
Method - Bristles are directed apically at 45◦ to long axis of tooth, gentle force applied into sulcus
Use gentle but firm vibratory strokes without removing bristle ends from sulcus
Indications – Sulcular cleansing, Perio health, Perio disease, Perio maintenance
Stillman’s
Method – Bristles are directed apically and angles same as bass
Bristles are placed partly over cervical part of tooth and partly on adj. gingiva
Short back and forth strokes are used and brush head is moved occlusally with light pressure
Indications – Progressive Perio recession, Gingival stimulation
Charter’s
Method – Bristles are directed toward crown of the tooth. Bristles are placed @ the gingival margin and 45◦ to long axis of tooth; short back and forth strokes
Indications – Ortho, temp cleaning of surgical wounds, fixed prosthetic appliances, gingival stimulation, cleaning of entire facial and lingual surfaces
Modified Bass, Stillman’s and Charter’s
Method - Add a rollto any of the three maor methods (Charter’s, Stillman’s or Bass); roll tufts occlusally after cervical area is cleaned by prescribed method
Indication – Rolling motion avoids damaging the base of the gingival sulcus.
Horizontal Scrub
Method – Bristles are activated in gentle, horizontal scrubbing motion
Fone’s (circular)
Method – Bristles are activated in circular motion
Indications – Its mostly indicated for children but it can also be applied to adults. It is a simpler technique but it has shown to be less effective then the three first methods.
Leonard Vertical strokes are used with teeth in an edge to edge position. (Not Recommended)
Roll Stroke
Method – Bristles are pointed apical and rolled occlusally
Indications – Used in conjunction with Bass, Stillman’s and Charter’s
Method Technique Indications
Bass (Sulcular)
Method – Bristles are directed apically at 45◦ to long axis of tooth, gentle force applied into sulcus
Use gentle but firm vibratory strokes without removing bristle ends from sulcus
Indications – Sulcular cleansing, Perio health, Perio disease, Perio maintenance
Stillman’s
Method – Bristles are directed apically and angles same as bass
Bristles are placed partly over cervical part of tooth and partly on adj. gingiva
Short back and forth strokes are used and brush head is moved occlusally with light pressure
Indications – Progressive Perio recession, Gingival stimulation
Charter’s
Method – Bristles are directed toward crown of the tooth. Bristles are placed @ the gingival margin and 45◦ to long axis of tooth; short back and forth strokes
Indications – Ortho, temp cleaning of surgical wounds, fixed prosthetic appliances, gingival stimulation, cleaning of entire facial and lingual surfaces
Modified Bass, Stillman’s and Charter’s
Method – Add a roll; roll tufts occlusally after cervical area is cleaned by prescribed method
Horizontal Scrub
Method – Bristles are activated in gentle, horizontal scrubbing motion
Fone’s (circular)
Method – Bristles are activated in circular motion
Indications – Its mostly indicated for children but it can also be applied to adults. It is a simpler technique but it has shown to be less effective then the three first methods.
Leonard Vertical strokes are used with teeth in an edge to edge position. (Not Recommended)
Roll Stroke
Method – Bristles are pointed apical and rolled occlusally
Indications – Used in conjunction with Bass, Stillman’s and Charter’s
