[The dynamics of functional hyperemia in the periodontium]

Time course of functional hyperemia in the periodontium was studied by quantitative rheography in 99 subjects, 55 of these presenting with periodontal diseases and 43 with clinically normal periodontium. Chewing of 5 cm3 of raw carrots for 30 sec on the working side was used as a functional exercise. In normal or reduced tone of regional vessels an oscillatory process of functional hyperemia with a latent period was developing, presumably at the expense of rise of osmotic pressure of tissue fluid. In initial vasoconstriction functional hyperemia develops without latent period and oscillatory process. A similar picture is observed in periodontal diseases, but the bloodstream volume is far less.