The 'strip method': a simple method for plaque pH assessment.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate if pH indicator strips could be used for measurements of plaque pH acidogenicity in situ. METHOD: Interproximal plaque pH was measured before and up to 60 min after a 10% sucrose rinse in 30 healthy volunteers using pH indicator strips and the microtouch method in parallel. RESULTS: It was found that the 'strip method' could determine changes in plaque pH to the same extent as the microtouch method (correlation coefficient 0.99). CONCLUSION: Since the 'strip method' is inexpensive and easy to handle, it may be applicable for assessment of plaque acidogenicity in the clinic.