Performance of a light fluorescence device for the detection of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation

The hypothesis to be tested was that using the SOPROCARE system in fluorescence perio-mode allows scoring of microbial plaque that is comparable to the Turesky modification of the Quigley Hein plaque index (T-QH) and scoring of gingival inflammation comparable to the Silness and Löe gingival inflammation index (GI).

Fifty-five subjects with various amounts of microbial plaque were recruited. The T-QH and GI index were recorded. SOPROCARE pictures were recorded in fluorescence perio-mode and in daylight mode. Finally, conventional digital photographs were taken. All pictures were assessed using the same criteria as described for the clinical indices.

The average T-QH was 1.1 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD). Scoring with SOPROCARE perio-mode led to a slightly higher average than the T-QH scores. SOPROCARE daylight mode and digital photography showed the highest plaque scores. The average GI index was 0.7 ± 0.9. SOPROCARE in perio-mode scored slightly lower. Linear regression fits between the different clinical indices and SOPROCARE scores were significantly different from zero demonstrating high goodness of fit.

The study demonstrated that the SOPROCARE fluorescence assessment tool in perio-mode allows reliable judgment of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation levels similar to the established Turesky-modified Quigley Hein index and the Silness and Löe gingival inflammation index. Training on plaque-free teeth will actually reduce scoring errors.

The SOPROCARE fluorescence tool in perio-mode provides reliable evaluation of microbial plaque and gingival inflammation for the dental clinician.