EFFECT OF MECHANICAL STIMULATION BY TOOTH BRUSHING ON OXYGEN-TENSION IN DOG GINGIVA

To determine oxygen tension (pO(2)) in gingival tissue, an oxygen micr o-electrode with a membrane-coated Pt needle was inserted into the gin giva of 12 dogs. Teeth were brushed using a modified Bass technique fo r 10 s under 200 g pressure. pO(2) increased and reached a maximum 15 min after brushing, then gradually returned to the baseline. A signifi cant increase in pO(2) persisted for approx. 1 h. These findings sugge st that short-term stimulation by tooth brushing increases oxygen tens ion in the gingiva.