When performing polishing strokes, where should you start?

Starting with the distal surface of the most posterior tooth and working forward during polishing is considered the best practice for several reasons. This technique ensures that debris and polishing agents are effectively removed from the tooth surfaces in a systematic manner, preventing any recontamination of already polished areas as you progress.

When beginning at the most posterior tooth, you can efficiently apply the polishing medium where it is most critical, as these areas often accumulate more plaque and stains due to their position in the mouth. Working towards the anterior teeth helps maintain a logical flow, avoiding any missed areas and ensuring comprehensive cleaning.

The other approaches, such as starting at the anterior teeth or only focusing on the surfaces of the molars, could lead to inefficient polishing. Starting at the anterior may cause debris from the posterior teeth to impact already cleaned areas, while focusing exclusively on molars neglects the other sections of the arch that equally require attention. Working from the middle of the arch also does not follow the optimal progression for thorough cleaning. Thus, initiating the polishing process from the distal surface of the most posterior tooth is the most effective method.