What is the primary purpose of a bristle brush during polishing?

Choosing to use a bristle brush during polishing primarily serves the purpose of effectively polishing occlusal surfaces. The bristle brush is designed to reach into the grooves and fissures of the teeth, which are prevalent on the occlusal surfaces. This helps to remove plaque, debris, and staining, thereby enhancing the overall smoothness and shine of the tooth surface.

In contrast, while a bristle brush can be used in some cleaning techniques, it is not specifically designed for use in interproximal areas, which are better addressed with floss or specially designed cleaning tools. Likewise, applying fluoride treatments and anesthetics usually requires different tools or delivery methods, making them irrelevant in the context of bristle brush usage during a polishing procedure. Therefore, the bristle brush is primarily associated with polishing efforts directed at occlusal surfaces, leading to improved aesthetics and health of the teeth.