Changes in gingival blood flow Induced by experimental force on cat teeth

Abstract

We conducted an experiment using 10 adult male cats in the experiment to elucidate the reasons for changes in gingival blood flow on the side of teeth under pressure from orthodontic force. Forces of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 500 g were applied consecutively to the distal of the maxillary right canines of the anesthetized animals, and changes in the gingival blood flow were evaluated by a laser Doppler flowmeter. We reduced the mesial of the maxillary right canine that pressed directly against the gingiva when force was applied. The same force as before was again applied to the maxillary right canine and gingival blood flow was measured on the pressure side of the gingiva. When the mesial of the tooth was not reduced, an increase in force caused a decrease in gingival blood flow. However, when it was reduced, increasing forces caused virtually no change in the gingival blood flow. We concluded that most changes in gingival blood flow are induced by direct pressure from the tooth on the gingiva. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 1996 Mar; 59(1): 43-52.