8 Early detection of gingivitis by image analysis

Abstract

We investigated the use of two types of digital image analysis to objectively evaluate gingival condition. Digital images were taken of gingiva using two special CCD camera systems. The subjects were requested not to brush for 7 days. Analysis of the gingival images showed that changes in the surface form and color could be objectively expressed. We found that this apparatus could be useful for the objective evaluation of gingivitis because changes could be expressed quantitatively.