PeriodonticsBasic

The Bass brushing technique

In the Bass technique, the brush goes at 45° toward the gums, with the bristles pointing at the sulcus, and you make short, gentle movements.

Step by step

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Place the bristles at 45° toward the gums, pointing at the sulcus between the tooth and the gum.
Make short, gentle movements, about one tooth wide, without moving the bristles out of the sulcus.
On the inner surface of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and make several up-and-down movements.
In the modified Bass technique, after the vibratory movements, the brush is rolled toward the biting edge (a sweeping motion).

Brush twice a day: about 2 minutes with an electric toothbrush or 3 to 4 minutes with a manual toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Brushing too hard or with a very abrasive toothpaste can wear down the enamel and contribute to recession.

Gingival sulcusThe small space between the tooth and the gingival margin.

Modified BassThe Bass technique plus a final sweep toward the biting edge.

At what angle is the brush placed in the Bass technique?

Show answerHide answer

At 45° toward the gums, with the bristles pointing at the gingival sulcus.

American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Brushing Your Teeth. View source
Hennessy BJ. Caries. MSD Manual, Professional Version (2026 revision). View source
Rajwani AR, et al. Effectiveness of Manual Toothbrushing Techniques on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Systematic Review. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2020.
Newman MG, et al. Carranza's Clinical Periodontology. Elsevier (textbook).