The Philips Blotting Technique
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About Dr. Joseph Phillips
Dr. Joseph Phillips was a periodontist (a specialist in gum disease). He also taught that gum disease, subsequent surgery and tooth loss were wholly unnecessary if the mouth was cared for properly.
By the late 1960’s Dr Phillips had developed the unique Blotting Brush and the associated method of cleaning: the Blotting Technique.
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The Blotting Brush
The Blotting Brush is designed with four rows of end-rounded textured bristles that have a capillary action that draws plaque and debris from gingival crevices.
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The Blotting Technique
The Blotting Technique lifts and holds plaque in the brush so that it can be removed. Whereas brushing moves this plaque around the mouth and under the gums, the Blotting Technique is the only proven dental hygiene method that actually removes it from the mouth.
Its simplicity and inexpensiveness makes it understandable and affordable for everyone.
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This is the key to total oral health for a lifetime.
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Despite all the specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes available today, people still have gum disease, many without ever knowing it.
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“No surgery has ever cured periodontal disease. Surgery shouldn’t be done until the mouth is healthy; surgery being only a post healing reconstructive procedure.” Dr. J.E. Phillips
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Using the Blotting Technique you will be able to clean 100% of your mouth – not just the 10% of your mouth taken up by your teeth. You can even “floss” with this technique.
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Once you have purchased a Blotting Brush you are the proud owner
of the smallest and most effective health kit in the world.
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I came into this technique a little late in life (nearly 60); however it definitely is a technique worthy of everyone
to learn, without exception. A friend introduced the blotting brush after meeting Dr. Phillips in Indiana. Dr. Phillips
initially (out of necessity) used a Fuller paint brush to heal his periodontal disease. His monumental work is,
“Acquiring And Maintaining Oral Health through the blotting procedure and total mouth hygiene.” The technique may
be learned on the internet; Dr. Phillips originally produced it on VHS tape. The brush is used to clean the tongue,
palate, inside the cheeks because this removes small food particles, which are part of bad breath. The doctor
had six children, and none had caries, calculus, or bleeding gums although these symptoms were part of their genetic
makeup. If you have children, please consider using this technique. I do not know if his daughter is traveling and giving instruction to the public; she was doing the good works a while back. My deep hope is the tradition is carried forward; important ideas such as these often do fade after the founder dies. I hope not. Paula Philiips is the daughter, and the last reference I have is: IOHS, PO BOX 116 OSEO, WI 54758 Phone 715-597-2354. SHE DOES NOT SELL BRUSHES. The order were given to PRICE POTTENGER FOUNDATION because according to Ms. Phillips, “They have been long standing believers in my father and his Blotting Technique of mouth care.” It is my understanding that Dr. Phillips endured criticism from the American Dental Association; and we have seen this reaction from other professions, such as The American Medical Association. Dr. Phillips symbolizes the very in human nature.
Hi Elliott,
Thank you very much for your input and sharing your experience.
I have heard from many people that ordering Blotting Brushes from http://www.toothwizards.com is much easier than from Price Pottenger.
All the very best
Happy blotting
Elmar
This is really useful information, Perhaps you could add a guide to how to use it in the form of a video? Thanks
I have periodontal disease. I started the blotting technique two weeks ago. I found it very effective in removing plaque. The only issue I have is blotting the inside of the upper molar, premolar and canine. I watched a video demonstrating using the heel side of the mini blotting brush for this area. The heel side of the brush is parallel to (and touching) the teeth going up and down with the bristle blotting into the gum line. My gum line feels hurt and sore after doing this. I don’t feel comfortable so I stopped blotting that area. It would be helpful if you could share any other videos or tips on how to blot it correctly on the inside area of the upper teeth?
Hello Ka,
Great to hear the success you achieved with the Blotting Brushes.
Here is why the palatal side is different
1. Palatal anatomy is unforgiving
The palatal side is very different from buccal side:
• Thin, tightly bound mucosa
• Minimal cushioning
• Greater palatine nerve and artery run close to the surface
• Little tolerance for vertical pressure
What feels “gentle” on the cheek side can feel sharp or bruising on the palate.
2. Split bristles amplify force if technique is wrong
• This is the paradox of blotting brushes:
• Split tips = excellent capillary action
• But also = more surface contact per unit pressure
• If you:
– press instead of placing,
– blot into the tissue rather than onto the enamel margin,
– hold the brush perpendicular instead of slightly angled toward enamel,
– the micro-split tips stop blotting and start digging.
It’s subtle, but decisive.
3. Tongue, gag reflex, and trigeminal overload
On the palatal side of upper molars:
• Tongue crowds the working space
• the wrist is rotated awkwardly
• This creates micro-jabs, not controlled placements
• Can trigger gag reflex or trigeminal irritation
Once the nervous system goes into “defend mode”:
• pressure increases unconsciously
• precision collapses
• tissue gets hurt
This is neuro-mechanical, not clumsiness.
What actually works
1. Enamel-first rule
– If you feel soft tissue, you’ve gone too far.”
Blot onto enamel, let capillary action do the rest.
2. Angle, don’t jab
• Slight angle toward enamel
• No perpendicular pressure into the palate
• Think touch and lift, not press and hold
I hope this helps.
Happy blotting
Hi Dr Jung,
Thanks for your reply! Your advice is invaluable to me. It helps me a lot in learning the technique. Some of my gum which were red before now becoming pale pink.
May I ask you a couple of more questions to clarify the technique?
1. When I blot the outside of upper molars, I hear some sound which feels like the bristles “rubbing “ against the teeth. I am a bit worried it may damage the roots which are exposed and teeth with receding gum. Is it a sign of incorrect technique? What I need to be aware of when I hear this sound?
2. When I blot the chewing surface, I place the blotting brush on top of the chewing surface, then use my index finger to tap the brush while moving the brush back and forth. (I don’t use the chewing movement of my jaw to tap the brush because my teeth feel hurt). I also hear the sound of bristles rubbing on the chewing surface. It would be helpful if you could share your advice on how to do it properly. Is there anything I need to pay attention to if I have some small cavities on the chewing surface?
3. One more thing I don’t understand is Dr. Philips said after blotting, the teeth will be clean without the need of further brushing. For me, my brush mainly blots the lower part of the teeth. I always feel the upper part of my teeth is not yet clean. So I will still brush my teeth before blotting. I wonder if I should blot the upper part of the teeth as well so I can skip the brushing before blotting. But again will blotting the upper part of the teeth causes damage to the enamel?