Comparison of the effectiveness of three different methods in detection of changes in gingivitis in the primary dentition

The pattern of distribution and development of gingivitis is different in children and adults. Also the anatomy in the primary dentition is different from that in the permanent dentition. Indices to measure gingival inflammation and changes in this condition have been designed for the permanent dentition and may not necessarily perform adequately in the primary dentition. The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between indices commonly used in adults and to compare their ability to detect changes in gingivitis in children. The correlation between the Gingival Index and percent bleeding units (scores 2 and 3) was r = 0.93, while provoked bleeding from the interdental area correlated only weakly with the two. However, the non-bleeding papilla index seemed to more effectively detect changes in the gingival condition induced by professional cleaning. Since gingivitis usually is less severe in the primary dentition than in the permanent dentition, it may be of importance to use an index with high sensitivity in studies where effect of interventions is to be evaluated in children.