GBI+Index

GBI Index: Gingival bleeding index

Describe: Records presence or absence of gingival inflammation as determined by bleeding from interproximal gingival sulci. Provides a quantitative method for measuring, scoring, and analyzing the gingival conditions in individuals and groups. It describes the status of individuals or groups. Can be used to evaluate the health of a large group of people or individual patients at the appointment.

Category: Gingival

When it is used: For patient motivation. Can be used to evaluate the health of a large group of people or individual patients at the appointment. Can also be used to show the prevalence and incidence of a particular condition, to provide baseline data, to assess the needs of a population, and to evaluate the effects and results of a community program. How to use it: Unwaxed dental floss is passed interproximally, first on one side of the dental papilla, then on the other. The clinician curves the floss around each tooth and passes it below the gingival margin, taking care not to lacerate the gingiva. Then evaluate floss and site for bleeding and reevaluate nonbleeding sites after 30 seconds for delayed bleeding. Any bleeding noted indicates the presence of disease. The numbers of bleeding areas versus proximal areas scored is recorded and used for patient motivation.

Reversible or irreversible: reversible

References

Wilkins, Esther M. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 10th edition. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Pg. 340.

"Dental Indices." __Encyclopedia of Nursing & Allied Health__. Ed. Kristine Krapp. Vol. 2. Gale Cengage, 2002. __eNotes.com__. 6 Mar, 2012 