A clinical approach to gingival stimulation.

The role played by gingival stimulation has not yet been clearly explained. This experiment shows (1) that even with regular stimulation of the gingiva with a toothbrush, gingival inflammation indices (GI and SBI) increase when plaque (determined by PII) accumulates on tooth surfaces; and (2) that if one proceeds to routine plaque elimination from the tooth surfaces, gingival inflammation indices (GI and SBI) increase in the absence of regular mechanical stimulation of the gingiva with a toothbrush. In the latter case, inflammation may be related to plaque accumulation on the gingiva.