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Overview :
Gingival bleeding after a defined method of interproximal
stimulation is a valid indicator for the presence of inflammation in the
midinterproximal gingival tissues. The interdental bleeding index is a simple
procedure for monitoring the gingival health of a patient. It can be used by
patients to monitor their own gingival status between visits to the dentist.
Procedure (as devised at the Eastman Dental
Center in Rochester, New
York):
(1) A wooden
interdental cleaner is inserted between the teeth from the facial aspect.
(2) The path of
insertion is horizontal, with care taken not to direct the point of the cleaner
apically.
(3) The cleaner
is used to depress the interdental papilla 1-2 mm, then removed.
(4) The process
is repeated until the interdental cleaner has been inserted and removed a total
of 4 times.
(5) The
presence or absence of bleeding within 15 seconds is then recorded.
interdental index =
= (number of interdental spaces that bled) / (number of
interdental spaces studied)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 1.00
• The higher the value, the greater the extent of
gingivitis.
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