Plaque and Bleeding Index

Question 1

Why do we need a plaque index?

Answer 1

• Standardized way of interpreting clinical observations of plaque present on teeth
• 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

Question 2

What are disclosing agents used for?

Answer 2

Products used to help dental clinicians identify plaque on dentition

Question 3

Why are disclosing agents helpful?

Answer 3

• 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 4

When using a 2-tone disclosing agent what does the blue and red mean?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is important to know about liquid disclosing agent?

Answer 5

• the red dye can easily stain clothing and surfaces
• Ask the patient if there is any allergy to red dye

Question 6

How do you obtain a plaque index using disclosing agent?

Answer 6

• Place a few drops of the agent 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
• Give patient water to thoroughly swish any excess agent and have them expectorate prior to evaluation
• Allow patient a moment to evaluate the stained plaque with a mirror prior to collecting data
• Record the surfaces where you see stained plaque; consider that there are 6 surfaces per tooth

Question 7

What is the formula for obtaining a plaque score (example)?

Answer 7

Question 8

AxiUm will automatically calculate the ______________ once faculty has swiped approval on your periodontal chart

Answer 8

plaque index

Question 9

What is a bleeding index?

Answer 9

Numerical value (%) given for observing bleeding upon probing (which indicates ulceration of the
junctional epithelium- indicating inflammation)

Question 10

Why do we need a bleeding index?

Answer 10

Standardized way of interpreting clinical observations of bleeding present with probing putting patients at risk for oral health diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis

Question 11

What does bleeding on probing mean?

Answer 11

ulceration of the junctional epithelium- indicating inflammation

Question 12

___________ score is useful for assessing the oral hygiene instruction needs of your patient

Answer 12

Plaque

Question 13

Plaque score aids in determining whether patient is a good candidate for…

Answer 13

surgical periodontal therapy
(should be <20-30%)

Question 14

Plaque score is an indicator for…

Answer 14

caries risk and periodontal risk assessments

Question 15

Bleeding index is helpful in identifying active ________ diseases

Answer 15

gingival