5.

7 Oral Hygiene Instruction

Floss threader (tight space)

Superfloss® (wide space)

Fig. 5.15 Oral hygiene instruction (OHI) flowchart. A decision tree for recommending oral hygiene aids.

Table 5.9 Tooth brushing methods/techniques

Method/technique Characteristic Indication Advantages Disadvantages

Scrubbing Horizontal brushing across Most commonly performed May not remove plaque at gin­
tooth surfaces by patients, easy method gival margin. Potential for tooth
abrasion and gingiva damage
with hard brush and dentifrice

Fones Circular motion over teeth. Primary dentition Easy to learn and under­ Not as effective as other meth­
For facial surfaces, hold teeth stood (“big circles”). Works ods for healthy adults
together well with small teeth, and
requires little dexterity

Modified Bass Bristles point into sulcus. Short
vibrating strokes
Modified Stillman Bristles placed on gingiva,
rotated toward tooth surface
Healthy adults
Orthodontic appliances
Adults with facial/gingival
recession
Effective marginal plaque
removal and disease
prevention
Minimizes gingival trauma
Requires good manual dexterity,
patient motivation
Slow, may not be as effective in
removing plaque if vestibule is
shallow

Charter Bristles aimed toward During healing after pocket Avoids healing flap edges Difficult to perform if vestibule
interproximal contact points reduction surgery interproximally is shallow

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