A comparison of gingival crevice pH of dental students and patients with gingivitis.

Eight dental students (designated Group A) and 8 patients with clinical gingivitis (group B) were the sub­ ject o f this experiment. The average gingival index in Group A was less than one and in Group B it was greater than two. Using an antimony micro-electrode measurements o f supragingival plaque pH and gingi­ val crevicular pH were made. These readings were analysed by comparing their means directly, and by comparison with gingival indices and crevicular depths. The results obtained indicated no significant variations between the 2 groups. Within the groups there were significant differences in crevice pH according to pocket depth and degree o f in­ flammation. There was a general decrease in p H with increasing pocket depth. Group B showed a gradient of pH increasing with increasing inflammation. OPSOMMING