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.