Effect of toothbrush stimulation on temperature of gingival and alveolar mucosae

Thermometry was used to study the effect of applying a toothbrush to three types of oral mucosae, in forty dental students. Brushing with an electric tooth brush resulted in an immediate fall in temperature, but 3 min later the temperature was significantly higher than before stimulation. The temperature changes were greater in gingival crevice and attached gingiva compared with alveolar mucosa. Moreover, it was found that a static application of the toothbrush produced temperature changes which were equal to those following a dynamic application.