[The evaluation of periodontal status by the chemical composition of the oral media].

Twelve patients aged 21-38 years with gingivitis and periodontitis and 9 subjects with intact periodontium were examined. Air from the oral cavity was collected with a special device, liquid samples were collected by gargling with sterile water. Chemical composition of the air and washings was analyzed by chromato-mass-spectrometry, gas adsorption and gas liquid chromatography. Inflammation of periodontal tissues was associated with a sharp increase in the oral air concentration of methylethylketone. The concentrations of isovaleric, n-valeric, and n-enanthic aldehydes increased appreciably. Ethanol predominated over n-butyl alcohol. The levels of dimethylsulfide and isoprene increased several times. In the washings from the oral cavity, the content of microorganism's vital activity products (fatty acids) was increased. Possible metabolic mechanisms of the detected shifts are discussed.