Dental Biofilms: Detection and Quantification of Plaque
Student Version (go to Instructor Version)
Supplies Needed:
Quantity |
Description |
1 | dental plaque disclosing agent such as Trace Disclosing Tablets |
1 | Quigley Hein plaque index (given below) |
Instructions:
Chew a Trace Disclosing TabletEstimating the amount of plaque
This index evaluates the plaque revealed on the cheek (buccal) side and the tongue (lingual) side of the teeth on a scale from 0 - 5 where:The Quigley Hein plaque index
0 = no plaque1 = isolated flecks of plaque near the gingival (gum) margin
2 = a 1 mm band of plaque at the gingival margin
3 = up to 1/3 of the surface covered with plaque
4 = disclosed plaque from 1/3 to 2/3 of the surface
5 = disclosed plaque on more than 2/3 of the surface
Illustration:
After chewing a Trace Disclosing Tablet, plaque on teeth can be easily seen.
Educational Program Curricula and Teaching Resources
Supported in part by the Waksman Foundation for Microbiology
Developed in collaboration with Dr. John Lennox, Education Editor, Penn State Altoona
© 1999-2008 Center for Biofilm Engineering, http://www.biofilm.montana.edu