The oral hygiene assessment

The oral hygiene assessment is recorded at the dental practice in order to document and demonstrate the patient's oral hygiene and the condition of their gums. In this context the deposits are also stained and various indices recorded

SBI = sulcus bleeding index. API = approximal plaque index

The recording of an oral hygiene assessment is only paid for by the statutory health insurers for patients between 6 and 17 years of age. The assessment serves to motivate the patient: with it, the progress of improved oral hygiene can be demonstrated. On the basis of various indices recorded in the mouth, an individual risk assessment can be made that describes and visualises the risk of developing caries, gingivitis or periodontitis. Bacteria and micro-organisms occur in every mouth. In the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis, in oral surgery and similar situations, preparations containing chlorhexidine are often used to reduce the number of germs and support the success of treatment and healing. Correspondingly dosed rinsing solutions are also used in daily oral hygiene at home

Explanation of the connections and the causes of disease, and of effective counter-strategies, is provided by the prevention specialists at the dental practice. Individual instruction for the patient includes