Evaluating the Plaque Removal Efficacy of Bass and Combination Brushing Techniques in 7th Grade Students at SMPN 44 Palembang, 2024

Endah Risnawati; Rina Kurnianti; Karin Tika Fitria

doi:10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1046

Endah Risnawati Palembang
Rina Kurnianti Politekknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jambi
Karin Tika Fitria Politekknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jambi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1046

Keywords: tooth brushing technique, bass method, combination method, dental plaque, school children, oral health education

Abstract

Background: Effective plaque control is vital for oral and general health. While the Bass technique is widely recommended, a Combination technique that blends circular, vertical, and vibratory strokes may enhance plaque removal. This study compared plaque‑score reductions produced by the Bass and Combination techniques in seventh‑grade students.

Methods: A pre‑test–post‑test control‑group experiment was conducted with 32 randomly selected students at SMPN 44 Palembang. Participants were allocated to the Bass group (n = 16) or the Combination group (n = 16). Plaque levels were recorded with the Personal Hygiene Performance index before and after supervised brushing. Mean plaque‑score reductions were compared using an independent‑samples t‑test (α = 0.05).

Results:
The Bass group showed a mean plaque reduction of 1,1, whereas the Combination group achieved a 2,2‑ reduction. The difference was statistically significant (p value= 0.001).

Conclusion:
Among seventh‑grade students, the Combination brushing technique removed significantly more plaque than the Bass technique. Incorporating the Combination method into school‑based oral‑health education may improve plaque control in this age group.