Dentures and Dentist

3 Teeth Brushing Techniques Explained

15 June 2023

Julian Andrews

It's common knowledge that brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Brushing removes food debris and reduces the amount of plaque in your mouth, but did you know there are different brushing techniques? Some brushing techniques are specifically aimed at helping those with certain oral health concerns to keep their teeth and gums clean, while others focus on general brushing and aren't linked to oral health conditions. Here's an overview of three brushing techniques:

The Circular Method

The circular brushing method is the one that dentists recommend as general good practice when you don't have any underlying oral health problems and want to efficiently remove food debris and plaque without damaging your tooth enamel. This method involves slightly angling your brush toward your gum line and making small, circular strokes with your brush as you move methodically from tooth to tooth. This circular motion ensures the bristles of your brush get into the small gaps between your teeth and that the entire surface of each tooth is cleaned.

The Stillman Method

Dentists generally recommend the Stillman method of brushing for those with gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can be reversed with good oral hygiene. It's a relatively common oral health condition characterised by swelling and redness around your teeth. The Stillman method for brushing involves placing your toothbrush with half the bristles on your gum line. The remaining bristles are in contact with the surface of your teeth, and light horizontal movements are used to clean your teeth and gums. You must be careful to be gentle when using this method, as brushing too hard could further irritate your gums.

The Bass Method

The bass method tends to be recommended for those with periodontitis. This is a severe form of gum disease that can develop when you don't seek treatment for gingivitis. Periodontitis causes gum tissue along the gum line to open up into pockets, which can become infected. The Bass method involves positioning your brush against the gum line and applying gentle, sweeping motions that allow the bristles to go slightly under the gum line. This technique is an efficient way of removing bacteria, but you should work methodically to ensure no teeth are missed.

If you're unsure about the best brushing technique for your needs, or if you'd like some pointers on brushing your teeth well, speak to your dentist. They can give you some tips and show you the techniques that will work best for your oral health.

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