The reliability of a colorimetric test in determining gingival inflammation

This investigation was undertaken to compare the Gindex saliva test scores with the Gingival Index scores and crevicular fluid flow scores, as proposed by Löe and Holm-Pedersen. Eighty-one patients were tested using the Gindex chemical analysis kit. Crevicular fluid was collected from the six teeth advocated by Ramfjord, followed by a clinical assessment of these teeth using the G.I. Of the original 81 subjects tested, 11 were given a prophylaxis consisting of scaling, root planing, polishing, and oral hygiene instruction; and were retested 14 days later. Results of the two-sample t test show that there were no significant differences between males and females in any of the three tested parameters. The sample was pooled and tested for multiple correlations between the G.I., crevicular fluid, and Gindex scores. Nonparametric rank correlation coefficient tests indicated a statistically significant correlation between the three parameters. A pair wise "t" test for the pre- and post-treatment sample demonstrated a significant reduction in the three parameters. A pair wise rank analysis also showed a significant reduction in the G.I., crevicular fluid, and Gindex scores.