Table 4 Evaluation criteria for the assessment of plaque index [33] and gingival health [34]

Plaque index scores [33]

• 0: no plaque

• 1: thin visible plaque, difficult to identify

• 2: thick visible plaque, easily detected.

Gingival health scores [34]

• 0: Normal: the gingival tissue appears firm, with pinkish or pale

pink and opaque surface, with thin margins and variable degree of

stippling. Contact with millimeter probe show its firmness

• 1: slight inflammation: the gingival margin has slight change of

color (reddish or bluish red) and is slightly swollen. Does not bleed after gentle probing

• 2: moderate inflammation: the gingival tissue has become swollen (rounded edge, or bright red/blue). There is bleeding after gentle probing; 3: severe inflammation: the gingival tissue has markedly red or bluish red, swollen and enlarged, with ulcerations. Tendency to spontaneous bleeding