Which index is utilized to measure the severity of gingival disease?

The Gingival Index (GI) is specifically designed to assess the severity of gingival disease by evaluating the condition of the gingiva. This index measures parameters such as inflammation, bleeding upon probing, and the overall health of the gums. It categorizes gum health on a scale, allowing for a clear indication of the degree of gingival inflammation present. The GI is a widely accepted tool in dental hygiene practice for monitoring treatment effectiveness and disease progression.

In contrast, the Periodontal Index (PI) includes assessments of both gingival and periodontal health but focuses more broadly on periodontal disease rather than solely on gingival disease. The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) is intended for public health surveys to gauge the periodontal health of populations, which is a different approach than individual assessment. The Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) specifically evaluates the presence of bleeding as a symptom of gingival health but does not provide a comprehensive measure of gingival disease severity like the GI does.