Brushing Techniques

Write short note on modified Stillman brushing technique.
Answer.

Stillman Brushing Technique

The soft or medium brush is placed with bristle ends partly on gingiva and partly on cervical portion of teeth, positioning in apical position.
Pressure is applied laterally against the gingival margin to produce a perceptible blanching.
The brush is activated with 20 short back and forth strokes and is simultaneously moved in a coronal direction. This process is repeated in all the teeth.
To reach lingual surface of anterior teeth, the handle of the brush is held in a vertical direction; engaging the heel of the brush. Penetration of bristles into the gingival sulci is avoided.

Stillman Brushing Advantages

Gingiva is mechanically stimulated.
Gingival third of the tooth is contacted with a short vibratory motion and plaque is removed between the gingival margin and the exposed area of tooth surface. Hence, advised only in areas of gingival recession.
The tips of the bristles tend to reach the interproximal areas to clean and stimulate the inter-dental papilla without injury.

Stillman Brushing Disadvantages

Patient might miss the gingiva and cervical areas of teeth thus, leaving behind plaque.
Patient might not apply sufficient pressure to produce blanching of tissue.

Stillman Brushing Indications

Removal of dental plaque from the cervical areas below the height of contour of enamel and from the exposed proximal areas.
For regular cleaning of teeth and massaging the gingiva.
Clean the areas with progressive gingival recession and root exposure.

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