[Effect of subjective evaluation on the reproducibility of the gingivitis indices]

The gingival index, gingivitis score, sulcus bleeding index, PM(A) index, selective gingiva index, periodontal index and periodontal disease index were verified with regard to the effect of subjective evaluation on their reproducibility. The authors studied in particular the utility of these indices in case controls and in the detection of minimal changes in the inflammatory process. Due to the numerical classification, the evaluation of the extent and of the degree of severity of the gingivitis requires an subjective decision and, consequently, the choice of an index depends on the objective of the examination. For the purpose of comparison with biometrical parameters, the authors presented an index (selective gingiva index) elaborated by themselves.