Plaque index scoring used in this study and as defined by Silness and Löe21
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0 | No plaque |
| 1 | A film of plaque adhering to the free gingival margin and adjacent area of the tooth. The plaque may be seen in situ only after application of disclosing solution or by using the probe on the tooth surface |
| 2 | Moderate accumulation of soft deposits within the gingival pocket, or the tooth and gingival margin, which can be seen with the naked eye |
| 3 | Abundance of soft matter within the gingival pocket and/or on the tooth and gingival margin |