Concatenation of variations in plaque formation with variations in crevicular temperature.

The hypothesis was tested that variations in the temperature of gingival crevices are linked to variations in plaque formation. Fifty-nine abutment teeth to removable partial dentures were studied during four experiments, under various conditions of plaque formation, i.e. not brushing the teeth whilst wearing and not wearing dentures, and performing ordinary and then specialized tooth brushing whilst wearing dentures. The collation of temperature curves with plaque curves revealed a proportional relationship between the rate and magnitude of plaque formation and the rate and magnitude of the recorded temperature changes. Furthermore, the removal of plaque resulted in a reversal of induced temperature rises. The lowest crevicular temperatures were obtained with the practice of the specialized tooth brushing.

Host response to two different designs of minor connector.

Temperatures were recorded in thirty-two gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces of abutment teeth fitted with minor connectors of an open space design, and in thirty gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces fitted with minor connectors of a closed design. During the 2 week experimental period, the twenty-seven removable partial denture subjects who were involved in the study kept the accumulation of plaque to a minimum by applying specialized tooth-brushing. Although an equal but small amount of plaque formed in both groups, the presumed minimal rise in temperature stimulated by this plaque did not prevent the two connector designs from showing disparate effects on the crevicular temperature. It was concluded that the open space design of minor connector is less conducive to irritation of the adjacent marginal gingiva than is the closed design.

Effect of toothbrush stimulation on temperature of gingival and alveolar mucosae.

Thermometry was used to study the effect of applying a toothbrush to three types of oral mucosae, in forty dental students. Brushing with an electric tooth brush resulted in an immediate fall in temperature, but 3 min later the temperature was significantly higher than before stimulation. The temperature changes were greater in gingival crevice and attached gingiva compared with alveolar mucosa. Moreover, it was found that a static application of the toothbrush produced temperature changes which were equal to those following a dynamic application.

Crevicular temperature rises stimulated by plaque formation.

In nineteen subjects, temperatures were recorded thermo-electrically in the vestibular and proximal crevices of fifty-nine teeth. It was found that the formation of a new plaque was followed by a rise in crevicular temperature. In addition, it was found that the normal as well as the abnormal crevicular temperatures were higher in the mandible than in the maxillae.

Mucosal temperature rises following long-term use of full dentures.

Mucosal temperatures were studied in twenty-two subjects, who had worn full upper and lower dentures for at least 5 years. By comparing with a group of twenty-two fully dentate subjects, it was found that in the denture wearers, temperatures were increased significantly in the lower jaw, but not in the upper jaw.

Oral temperatures in young and old people.

Oral temperatures were measured in ten young females and ten young males, and compared to oral temperatures measured in ten elderly females and ten elderly males. Each subject had a complete natural dentition. When analysed by sex, it was found that the temperatures in elderly males were lower than in young males (P less than 0.001), while temperatures in young and elderly females did not differ. Concerning sublingual temperatures, a difference of approximately one-third of a degree centigrade was demonstrated between the two age groups (P less than 0.005).