Brush and Flossing Techniques

Brushing is a major part of the dental care routine. Maintenance of a good oral hygiene requires brushing of the teeth twice with a soft bristled brush. The toothbrush should be replaced once the bristles get frayed while using toothpastes that contains fluoride are recommended.

What are the brushing techniques?

Some of the effective brushing techniques for efficient teeth cleaning are as follows:

1.  The bass technique 

Place the bristles at 45 degrees to the gums and move the brush in circular strokes. This is repeated 20 times, cleaning three teeth at a time.

2.  Vertical method 

Place the bristles at 90 degrees on the surface of the teeth, facing the long axis. Use up and down strokes to clean the teeth

3.  Charter’s technique 

The bristles are placed at 45 degrees to the gums and the strokes are along the long axis of the teeth.

4.  Scrub brush technique 

Multiple horizontal, vertical and circular strokes are required for efficient brushing.

5.  The roll technique 

Place the bristles at 45 degrees and move the toothbrush across the occlusal surface while moving the wrist.

6.  Modified bass technique 

Modified bass technique is a combination of the bass technique and the roll technique. It combines the circular movement of the bass technique with sweeping movement of the roll technique.

7.  Modified stillman’s technique 

Press the bristles against the teeth and move the brush in back and forth motion.

At least spend two minutes for brushing your teeth. For outer and inner surface keep the bristles at 45 degrees and for chewing surface hold the brush at 90 degrees to the surface. Movements should be gentle along the gum line. The tongue should also be cleaned using back and forth motion to remove any food particle.

What is flossing ?

Floss is a thread of thin and multiple filaments used to remove plaque and food particles from the areas where the toothbrush cannot reach. It is recommended to floss once every day before or after brushing so that the fluoride can reach the occlusal surface of the teeth. Flossing in addition to brushing reduces the incidence of gum disease as it removes the plaque and food particles that get stuck between the gum and tooth and cause infections and inflammation.

What are the different types of floss?

1.  Regular floss 

Regular floss has many types like waxed floss, mint flavored floss, unwaxed floss etc. Mint flavored floss provides fresh breath in addition.

2.  Floss picks

These are specialized plastic wands that hold the floss and make it convenient to use it with one hand. These are less effective than regular floss.

3.  Oral irrigators

These are also known as oral water jets. These devices use a stream of pulsating water to clean the teeth. In addition, it also improves gingival health. 

What is the correct flossing technique?

The correct flossing technique is a five-step procedure.

• Take approximately 18 inches of floss, leave an inch or 2 of floss to work with and wind the remaining floss around each middle finger.
• Hold the floss tightly between the index finger and the thumb and slide it up and down in the spaces between the teeth.
• Curve the floss gently around the base of each tooth, going beneath the gumline. Take care that the floss does not cut or bruise the delicate gum tissue.
• Move from tooth to tooth and use a clean section of floss
• Thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to remove the loosened food particles.

We, at Bliss Dentistry of Campbell, California, cater to all your needs pertaining to dental services and routine exams. Our Campbell dentists with their entire team persevere to provide you with exceptional treatment that enhances and maintains the beauty of your smile. If you have any further question, queries or dental emergencies and are looking for an experienced dentist in the South Bay Area, feel free to contact us at (408) 963-6678 to schedule an appointment