The Bass method of brushing involves using the toothbrush bristles to scrub off plaque— commonly known as biofilm — from underneath your gums before it can cause gingivitis. A 2018 systemic review and analysis of various brushing techniques found that the modified Bass/Bass technique was the most effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis than the horizontal method.

• Hold the toothbrush parallel to your teeth
• Tilt the brush to a 45-degree angle
• Angle the brush so the bristles are slightly under the gumline
• With a firm yet gentle pressure, brush back and forth or use a circular motion 15 to 20 times before moving to the next area
• Brush all teeth on the outer surface and then clean the backside of the teeth using the same motions
• Hold the toothbrush in a vertical position behind your front teeth and brush up and down, using the bristles on the toe of the brush
• Brush the chewing surface of the molars and brush your tongue