plaqueindices

Plaque indices, or plaque indices, are standardized scoring systems used in dentistry to quantify dental plaque, the biofilm that forms on tooth surfaces. They provide numeric measures of oral hygiene and are used to evaluate the efficacy of plaque-control measures in clinical practice and research. Data from plaque indices can be reported as averages per patient, per tooth, or as percentages of surfaces with plaque.

One widely used index is the Silness and Löe Plaque Index. It assesses the thickness of plaque at the gingival margin on four surfaces per tooth, with scores: 0 = no plaque, 1 = a film of plaque, 2 = moderate accumulation, 3 = heavy plaque. The individual scores are averaged to yield a mean plaque index for the subject.

Another common measure is the O'Leary Plaque Index, which expresses plaque burden as the percentage of tooth surfaces with plaque. Each surface is scored 0 or 1 (plaque present or absent), and the final value is the proportion of surfaces with plaque multiplied by 100.

The Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, frequently used with the Turesky modification, employs a disclosed plaque technique. After disclosing dye, plaque on each tooth surface is scored from 0 to 5 according to its extent along the gingival margin; scores are typically averaged per patient or per surface.

Use and limitations: Plaque indices support standardization and comparative research but require examiner calibration to ensure reliability. They are descriptive, not diagnostic, and do not measure plaque composition or pathogenicity. Choice of index depends on study design, required sensitivity, and practicality.