Comparative Evaluation of Q-scan and Disclosing Solution in Plaque Detection: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Proper plaque removal is necessary for oral hygiene. Since plaque is invisible, patients need to be educated about it by making it visible using disclosing solution. Due to limitations of disclosing solution, alternative methods are required to detect plaque and create awareness among patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the ability of plaque detection of fluorescence plaque detecting system Q scan with the traditionally used plaque disclosing solution. Methodology: The study was conducted on 174 undergraduate students of a dental institute after obtaining informed consent. The plaque level was first assessed and recorded by Quigley-Hein plaque index in each patient using fluorescent Q SCAN plus device and later using disclosing solution. All the participants were then asked to fill the questionnaire about their experience of plaque detection method. Results: The results of the study showed that the plaque score recorded using Q scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system was significantly lower than that of the plaque scores recorded by the applying disclosing solution ( P ≤ 0.05). Most of the students preferred the use of Q-scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system for the evaluation of plaque level. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of the study that the Q-scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system although took lesser time and is easy to use and convenient method of plaque detection is not as sensitive as disclosing solution.