The nurse OAG evaluators rounded on all study patients between 5:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. daily to allow 4-6 hours after the last toothbrushing. The oral evaluators were blinded to group assignment at all times. The bedside bright light source, disposable
dental mirrors, tongue blades, cottontipped applicators, vegetable dye, and gloves were used during the evaluation. Odor was the first item assessed followed by swallow, lips, tongue, saliva, mucous membranes, and gingiva. At the conclusion of the visual exam-ination, vegetable dye was used to coat the surfaces of the teeth. Approximately 60 seconds after the dye was applied, the teeth were assessed for plaque or debris. Each patient’s OAG evaluation sheets were maintained in a locked drawer, separate from all other study documents.