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Modified brass technique for tooth brushing with standard dental book reference

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"toothbrushing" AND technique

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modified Bass tooth brushing technique dental textbook reference

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11654539/

You likely mean the Modified Bass technique, not “brass” technique.

Modified Bass toothbrushing technique

Purpose: Cleans plaque effectively at the gingival margin and slightly within the gingival sulcus. It is commonly advised for adults, particularly people with gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Steps

  1. Use a soft, multi-tufted toothbrush.
  2. Place the brush head so that the bristles are directed 45° apically toward the gingival sulcus.
  3. Position the bristles partly on the cervical part of the tooth and partly on the adjacent gingiva.
  4. Apply gentle pressure so bristle tips enter the gingival sulcus and interdental areas. Do not traumatize the gingiva.
  5. Make short, gentle vibratory back-and-forth strokes over about 2 to 3 teeth at a time, usually 10 to 15 strokes.
  6. Then make a rolling stroke from gingiva toward the incisal or occlusal surface. This roll component distinguishes the Modified Bass technique from the original Bass technique.
  7. Continue systematically on:
    • Facial surfaces of all teeth
    • Lingual/palatal surfaces
    • Occlusal surfaces, using short back-and-forth strokes
  8. Clean the lingual surfaces of anterior teeth by holding the brush vertically and using gentle up-and-down strokes.
  9. Brush for about 2 minutes, twice daily, and clean interproximal surfaces with floss or an interdental brush.

Key points

  • Bass technique: 45° sulcular placement + vibratory strokes.
  • Modified Bass technique: Bass technique + a final coronal rolling stroke.
  • Avoid excessive force or prolonged horizontal scrubbing because it can contribute to gingival trauma and cervical abrasion.

Standard dental textbook reference

Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA, editors. Newman and Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2019. Section on plaque control and mechanical oral-hygiene procedures.
A dental-hygiene reference is: Wilkins EM. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 13th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2021. Chapter on patient oral-hygiene instruction.
The published description matches the standard teaching: bristles are placed at a 45° angle into the gingival sulcus with short back-and-forth movements, followed by a rolling action in the modified version, as summarized in this systematic review.
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