Modified Bass Technique
A toothbrushing method in which the bristles are angled at 45 degrees to the gingival margin and vibrated in short back-and-forth strokes before being swept occlusally, maximising sulcular plaque disruption.
Full Definition
The Modified Bass technique is the most widely recommended brushing method in dental hygiene practice for adult patients due to its efficacy in disrupting plaque at and below the gingival margin. The bristles are placed at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of the tooth, directed into the gingival sulcus, and activated with gentle horizontal vibratory strokes before being rolled or swept toward the occlusal/incisal surface. This modification of the original Bass method (which omitted the rolling stroke) improves coronal plaque removal. Dental hygienists document technique instruction in patient records. Editors should capitalise 'Bass' as it is an eponymous technique and always include 'Modified' to distinguish it from the original Bass method.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise 'Bass' (eponym) and always include 'Modified' when referring to the updated technique. Do not abbreviate to 'Bass method' without the modifier in clinical records.
In Context
- "The patient was instructed in the Modified Bass technique to address plaque accumulation along the gingival margins." — Oral hygiene instruction record
- "When documenting brushing instruction, specify the technique by name—'Modified Bass technique'—rather than simply writing 'brushing instructions given.'" — Clinical documentation guidelines