The effect of age and sex on the relationship between crevicular fluid flow and gingival inflammation in humans

Abstract

In a study on 120 subjects (60 males and 60 females) between the ages of 12 and 69 years, it was found that the relationship between gingival inflammation and crevicular fluid flow was not affected by age or sex. Because of their relationship to gingival disease, the effect of age and sex on crevicular pH, urea content, and concentration and crevice depth were also examined. Whereas, aging had no significant effect, sex may have had a slight effect since males exhibited slightly deeper pockets and a higher crevicular pH at most levels of inflammation. However, this may be due to poorer home care in males. The results have confirmed the inflammation‐crevicular fluid relationship in a large number of adults of both sexes and add support for the use of crevicular fluid flow measurements as an objective technique for monitoring gingival inflammation.