Periodontal probing depth and subgingival temperature in smokers and non-smokers

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in subgingival temp erature between smokers and non-smokers at different probing depths, and th e effect of probing depth on subgingival temperature for smokers and non-sm okers. 20 smokers and 20 non-smokers, with adult periodontitis, and retaine d upper anterior teeth were included. Initially sublingual temperatures wer e recorded, followed by subgingival temperature, pocket probing depth, and bleeding upon probing measurements at 3 buccal points at probing depths of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm for each of the anterior teeth. Sublingual temperature s were consistently higher than subgingival temperatures. The subgingival t emperature measurements of pockets which bled upon probing, were subtracted from the sublingual temperature to produce temperature differentials (Delt a T), independent of individual body temperature, that were compared betwee n smokers and non-smokers. The relationship between probing depth and Delta T was examined in, and between, smokers and nonsmokers for bleeding sites, Delta T was found to decrease linearly with the increase of probing depth, suggesting a subsequent increase of subgingival temperature. Smokers were found to have significantly increased Delta T (suggesting lower subgingival temperatures) compared to non-smokers, at probing depths of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm. The differences in Delta T for sites 6 mm in depth were not statistica lly significant between the 2 groups. It is concluded that for maxillary bu ccal anterior sites, there is a decrease of temperature differentials with an increase of probing depth at bleeding sites for both smokers and non-smo kers. Smokers had higher temperature differentials compared to non-smokers, at probing depths of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm.