Which technique best protects gingival tissues during coronal polishing?

• A. Aggressive rubbing near the sulcus
• B. Leaving the sulcus unpolished
• C. Controlled adaptation avoiding the sulcus
• D. Using large cup with no adaptation

Answer: (C)

Protecting gingival tissues during coronal polishing hinges on maintaining controlled adaptation so the polishing cup stays away from the gingival sulcus. The gingiva is delicate and can be irritated or injured by abrasive paste, heat from friction, or direct trauma. By guiding the cup with a light touch and keeping it coronal to the gingival margin—avoiding contact with the sulcus—you remove stains from the tooth crown while minimizing irritation to the tissue. This approach reduces risk of tissue recession or damage that can occur if the sulcus is contacted or if aggressive, indiscriminate rubbing occurs.

Why the other approaches aren’t ideal: rubbing aggressively near the sulcus increases trauma and heat and can injure the tissue; using a large cup with no adaptation makes unintended contact with the gingiva more likely; leaving the sulcus unpolished doesn’t establish a technique that protects the tissue—the key protection comes from staying away from the sulcus with careful, controlled adaptation.