Plaque and Bleeding Index

Question 1

Why do we
need a
plaque
index?
(3)

Answer 1

Standardized way of interpreting clinical
observations of plaque present on teeth
putting patients at risk for oral health
diseases such as caries and periodontitis
Numerical value (%) given for observing
an individual’s ability to practice good
oral hygiene care at home and used for
patient understanding
Other dental indices: bleeding, caries,
recession, gingival inflammation,
furcation involvement, etc.

Question 2

Disclosing agents
(3)

Answer 2

• Products used to help dental clinicians
  identify plaque on dentition
• Great methods for patient education,
  especially when discussing caries and
  periodontal disease
• Helps patient comprehend oral hygiene
  instructions and visually see plaque being
  removed by toothbrushing and flossing
  methods

Question 3

2-Tone:

Answer 3

• Blue stain is OLD plaque
• Red stain is NEW plaque

Question 4

Liquid Disclosing
(2)

Answer 4

• When using liquid disclosing
  agent, be aware that the red dye
  can easily stain clothing and
  surfaces
• Ask the patient if there is any
  allergy to red dye, considering it is
  a main ingredient in the solution

Question 5

How to obtain plaque index
(using liquid/chewing tablet disclosing agent)
(4)

Answer 5

Place a few drops of the agent
(obtained at the dispensary) in
a cup and apply to the patient’s
dentition using cotton tip
applicators OR give patient the
tablet to chew, using tongue to
smear tooth surfaces
1
Give patient water to
thoroughly swish/rinse out any
excess agent and have them
expectorate prior to evaluation
2
Allow patient a moment to
evaluate the stained plaque
with a mirror prior to collecting
data
3
Record the surfaces where you
see stained plaque; consider
that there are 6 surfaces per
tooth
4

Question 6

Calculations

Answer 6

Total # of teeth ______ x6= ______ total surfaces
Total # plaque surfaces ______ x100=______% total surfaces
______% is patient’s plaque index
AxiUm will automatically calculate the plaque index

Question 7

Why do we need a
bleeding index?
(3)

Answer 7

• Standardized way of interpreting
  clinical observations of bleeding
  present with probing putting patients
  at risk for oral health diseases such as
  gingivitis and periodontitis
• Numerical value (%) given for
  observing bleeding upon probing
  (which indicates ulceration of the
  junctional epithelium- indicating
  inflammation)
• Other dental indices: plaque, caries,
  recession, gingival inflammation,
  furcation involvement, etc.

Question 8

Plaque score is useful for assessing the

Answer 8

oral hygiene instruction needs of your
patient

Question 9

Aids in determining whether patient is a
good candidate for

Answer 9

surgical periodontal
therapy

Question 10

Gives clinicians an indicator for why

Answer 10

caries control and periodontal
conditions are at their current level
(good or bad)

Question 11

Bleeding index is helpful in identifying

Answer 11

active gingival diseases (ie. Gingivitis or
periodontitis)

Question 12

Allows clinicians to — patient on
better oral hygiene techniques

Answer 12

educate