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

Which technique involves a brushing movement that goes apically to the gingiva and then over the tooth?

1. Leonard method

2. Stillman's method

3. Charters method

4. Roll method

The correct answer is: Roll method

The roll method involves a brushing technique where the bristles are angled toward the gums and rolled down over the teeth. This technique is designed to effectively clean the cervical areas of the teeth and is particularly beneficial for children or individuals with limited dexterity, as it is quite simple to perform. The apical motion initiated from the gingiva helps to sweep plaque and debris away from the gum line and over the tooth surface, thus promoting gingival health and preventing gingivitis. In contrast, the Leonard method primarily focuses on a back-and-forth motion that emphasizes removing plaque along the tooth surfaces without the apical movement. The Stillman's method uses a vibrating brush stroke that not only cleans the teeth but also massages the gingiva, while the Charters method is designed for cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line, utilizing an angled brush movement away from the gums. Each of these methods has its distinct technique and target area, but the roll method's specific action of brushing apically towards the gingiva and then over the tooth makes it the correct answer.