[Hemodynamic changes in the periodontium with the use of chewing gum]

The effect of gum chewing (5 min after meals 3 times a day) on periodontal blood supply was studied in a group of 52 volunteers with different clinical status of the periodontium. Tonic strain in the local vessels changed (fluctuated) little (by 2-7%). Tonic strain was shifted on the inert side and in patients with periodontal diseases. Blood consumption increased by 33%. Regular gum chewing for 10 min resulted in compensatory vasoconstriction and hyperemia of the periodontium starting from the second week, irrespective of the initial clinical status of the periodontium.