The temperature of the gingival sulci.

The interproximal sulcular temperatures of the central, cuspid and the first molar regions of both jaws of 28 adults were recorded with a thermistor probe. The mean sulcular temperatures were 1.80 to 2.90 degrees C lower than the mean sublingual temperature. In both jaws the lowest temperature was recorded in the anterior region and the highest in the molar region. The temperature increased from the anterior to the posterior region on both buccal and lingual sides of both arches. The sulcular temperatures of the lower arches were higher than those of the upper arches. Further, analyses of the data of each individual subject showed interesting differences between the male and the female subjects. This work suggests that studies on dental plaque and on the growth and metabolism of microorganisms of the gingival sulci should consider the lower temperature of the gingival sulci and the regional temperature differences within the oral cavity.