JVD 2009 1 Application of the Gingival Contour Plaque Index: Six-Month Plaque and Gingivitis Study Dale S. Scherl, PhD; Kim Bork; Lori Coffman; Stephen R. Lowry, PhD; Misty VanCleave, RVT

Question 1

What was the purpose of the study?

Answer 1

To demonstrate the clinical research application of the gingival contour plaque index(GCPI) and ensure that documented quantification of plaque-reducing efficacy could be related to a reduction in gingivitis

Question 2

What advantages does the GCPI method offer to a study model?

Answer 2

The ability to quantify plaque accumulation in an awake dog with fewer personnel and more efficient time usage.

Question 3

What is different about GCPI compared with other methods of oral substrate accumulation?

Answer 3

It focuses exclusively on plaque which accumulates along the gingival margin.

Question 4

What were the three phases of the study?

Answer 4

Phase 1 was a 3 day stratification study in order to place the 14 animals in either a test or control group and ensure the groups were balanced in their plaque accumulation.
Phase 2 was a health optimisation period used to ensure all animals started the study with clean dentition and minimal gingivitis.
Phase 3 was a 6 month plaque and gingivitis assessment comparing a commercially available test food possessing plaque reducing efficacy and a grocery store brand of food

Question 5

Once GCPI was assessed what was done in the Phase 2 period to optimise oral health?

Answer 5

A commercially available test food possessing plaque reducing efficacy was fed daily
Daily tooth brushing using a power toothbrush and pet dentifrice was undertaken
Daily topical application of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate was performed.

Question 6

What area of the gingival margin is assessed for the GCPI?

Answer 6

The gingival margin along the buccal aspect of the tooth from the midpoint of the mesial margin to the midpoint of the distal margin at the point where the gingiva contacts the tooth

Question 7

What tool was used to measure the GCPI?

Answer 7

A gingival contour probe.

Question 8

What was used to aid measurement of plaque?

Answer 8

2% solution of eosin applied with a spray bottle.

Question 9

Which teeth were scored scored in the study ?

Answer 9

maxillary third incisor, canine, first to fourth premolar and first molar and the mandibular canine and second to fourth premolar

Question 10

How was the whole mouth GCPI score obtained?

Answer 10

By averaging the individual tooth scores.

Question 11

At what point in the study did the groups demonstrate a statistically different average plaque score?

Answer 11

Day 15

Question 12

What was the average difference in plaque accumulation between the two groups?

Answer 12

29.8 +/- 6.4%

Question 13

what was the baseline gingivitis score in each of the groups after 6months?

Answer 13

Test group 0.6+/- 0.15

Control group 0.89 +/- 0.14

Question 14

What was the percentage difference in average gingivitis scores between the groups at 6 months?

Answer 14

32.7%

Question 15

What was the percentage difference in average GCPI scores between the groups at 6 months?

Answer 15

27.3%

Question 16

What was demonstrated over the 6 month study period?

Answer 16

That the GCPI which is able to be measured using less resources in an awake dog yielded similar plaque scores to the previously recorded study and represents a useful plaque quantification method.