A comparison of partial and full mouth scoring of plaque and gingivitis in oral hygiene studies

Abstract

Bentley CD, Disney JA: A comparison of partial and full mouth scoring of plaque and gingivitis in oral hygiene studies, J Clin Periodontol 1995; 22: 151-135. © Munksgaard, 1995. Abstract, The clinical testing necessary to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of new toothbrushes is complex and expensive. Any moditication of methodology that could reduce complexity and cost without compromising quality would benefit both investigators and the public. Results from an 8-week toothbrush study were assessed for the use of partial as compared to full-mouth evaluations. The potential utility of an objective, minimally-invasive bleeding index for the evaluation of gingivitis was also tested. 2 partial evaluations, half-mouth and molar/anteriors, revealed decrements in modified gingival index (MGI), bleeding index and plaque index that were statistically significant and similar in rnagnitude to those derived from full-mouth examinations. % decrements in MGI and bleeding index based on the Ramfjord teeth were not significant statistically. Results for the new sulcular bleeding index were essentially similar to those for the MGL However, the bleeding index offered the advantage of improved objectivity for use in both white and non-white subjects. These results suggest that partial evaluations and the new bleeding index may be useful elements in the design of toothbrush efficacy studies.

Prebrushing rinse with water on plaque removal: a split‐mouth design

“…Bentley and Disney evaluated the comparison of partial and full‐mouth scores of plaque and gingivitis without compromising study quality. Their analyses showed that all‐teeth, the Ramfjord teeth, half mouth and molars/anteriors revealed a similar pattern as whole‐mouth and proximal areas.…”

Effect of an oxygenating agent on oral bacteria in vitro and on dental plaque composition in healthy young adults

“…In the study a partial-mouth model (Bentley and Disney, 1995) was used. Two contra-lateral randomly chosen quadrants (www.random.org) served for the collection of dental plaque biofilm that was not disturbed by scoring or the disclosing solution (one in the upper and one in the lower jaw; Heijnsbroek et al, 2006; Van Leeuwen et al, in press).…”

Comparison of the Use of Different Modes of Mechanical Oral Hygiene in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis

“…2). At the start of the preexperimental phase (day 0), subjects were assessed for the clinical parameters BOMP, plaque, gingival abrasion, and stain using a partial‐mouth scoring model 23 . All teeth in two randomly chosen contralateral quadrants (one upper and one lower quadrant) were examined except for third molars.…”