National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What brushing technique involves the bristles aimed toward the gingival margin and rolling the brush toward the occlusal surface?

1. Fones

2. Roll

3. Leonard

4. Charters

The correct answer is: Roll

The brushing technique that involves positioning the bristles toward the gingival margin and then rolling the brush toward the occlusal surface is known as the roll technique. This method is designed to effectively clean both the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. By angling the bristles towards the gum line, it helps in removing plaque and debris from the gingival margin, which can contribute to gingival diseases if not properly cleaned. The rolling action then gently sweeps the bristles down toward the chewing surface of the teeth, promoting a thorough cleaning and helping to stimulate the gums. Other techniques mentioned, like Fones, involve circular brushing motions primarily used for children or those with limited manual dexterity. The Leonard technique focuses on a vertical brushing motion, while Charters' method is aimed at orthodontic patients and involves an angled approach to clean interproximal areas. These techniques have differing approaches and are tailored for specific needs, whereas the roll technique is versatile for general oral hygiene.