2torial #0868:
Learn2 Brush Your Teeth (continued)

Learn the proper brush stroke

Does technique really matter? Yes it does. The most popular technique, called the Bass technique, concentrates on the third of the tooth nearest the gumline and the gum itself, where plaque tends to concentrate. By thoroughly cleaning this area before brushing the rest of the tooth's surfaces, you can wipe out most of the problem-causing bacteria in your mouth.

To practice the proper brush stroke, hold the toothbrush head (without any toothpaste on it yet) at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. The bristles should be gently flexed so they surround the gum tissues and the portion of the tooth closest to the gumline. Using either a circular or jiggling, up-and-down motion, brush this area with your toothbrush. After several seconds cleaning this area, slide the toothbrush away from the gum, over the tooth's surface toward the open mouth area. This will clean the rest of the tooth's side surface and brush the loosened bacteria away from and off of the tooth. This technique also stimulates the gum.

A modified version of this technique uses more up-and-down motion over the entire tooth, usually one-and-a-half teeth at a time. Yet another technique uses a circular or elliptical motion over the entire tooth, one-and-a-half teeth at a time.