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

The brushing technique that places the bristles at the attached gingiva and sweeps them apically is known as the Roll technique. This technique involves positioning the toothbrush such that the bristles are placed at the gingival margin and then gently rolling the bristles toward the occlusal surface. This action helps to effectively clean the teeth and massage the gums while stimulating the gingival tissues. It is particularly beneficial for removing plaque and debris from the gingival area and can be easy for patients to perform.

The other techniques, while they have their specific purposes, do not have the same approach as the Roll technique. For instance, the Modified Bass technique combines a vibratory motion with a slight rolling action, but it starts with the bristles at the gum line and angles them into the sulcus rather than sweeping them apically from the attached gingiva. Charter's technique is primarily designed for cleaning above the gum line and is often recommended for patients with orthodontic appliances. Stillman's technique is utilized for gingival stimulation but also requires a different angle and motion compared to the Roll technique.