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Three methods for the recording of gingivitis, plaque and supra‐ and subgingival calculus in detail, by examining only a part of the mouth were compared with results obtained from whole mouth examinations in the same individuals. The three methods assessed were anterior segment examination only; left side alternating with right side of the mouth and the examination of 4/14 /41/6as being representative of the whole mouth. Gingivitis was recorded by a modification of the PMA system of scoring. Calculus was recorded using the calculus surface index and plaque by a numerical system based on the area of plaque covering the clinical crown. All three methods of partial mouth recording gave results which were not statistically different from the results of full mouth examinations in the 400 adults investigated, with certain provisos in the case of two of the methods. The examination of the anterior segment must include both the labial and lingual gingivae and should not be restricted to the upper jaw only. The left side should be alternated with the right side in consecutive subjects, since the gingival scores obtained for the right side were consistently higher than those obtained for the left side of the mouth.

An objective method is described for estimating the periodontal state of human skulls. Two measurements were made for each tooth from the alveolar crest to the amelo‐cemental junction and, from the average of these for the whole mouth, an estimate was calculated called the Tooth Cervical Height‐Index. It was found possible to repeat measurements with a considerable degree of precision. When forty skulls with varying degrees of periodontal disease were examined a significant correlation was recorded between the T.C.H.‐index and the periodontal state as estimated using clinical criteria (after Russell).

Three inexperienced examiners received progressively intensive training in the use of the PMA and Gingival Indices. Each examiner achieved intra‐examiner reliability with each index after only a short period of instruction. No consistent pattern of inter‐examiner agreement was evident until the examiners had received extensive training which included clinical instructions by an examiner with a good knowledge of the indices. A high degree of correlation was found between the PMA and GI scores for an individual which suggested that the two different methods of assessing ‘so‐called’ severity produce similar results. It was concluded that the Gingival Index system had the advantage that clear mandatory instructions had been laid down for its use. All reports of studies using either index should contain information on the intra‐ and inter‐examiner reliability achieved.

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