Validating gingival surface temperature as an alternative tool in the diagnosis of periodontal disease activity: An observational clinical trial

Abstract

Background. Elevated temperature has been recognized as an inflammatory sign. It is the only indication that can be both objectively and quantitatively evaluated and is considered as a potential indicator of periodontal disease. Assessing gingival surface temperature (GST) could be a diagnostic parameter to determine periodontal health. This pilot clinical study aimed to validate gingival surface temperature (GST) as a clinical diagnostic tool to measure periodontal disease activity by correlating with the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). Methods. A cross-sectional mono-center pilot study was conducted with a convenient sample of 50 participants with a mean age of 34.14±13.7 years. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD) clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. GST was recorded with a single lead of the bedside patient monitor and correlated with PISA. Results. The results showed a positive correlation between PISA and GST (P=0.46). Conclusion. This study showed a rise in GST of inflamed sites, but the results did not support the hypothesis that increased GST is an indicator of periodontal disease. As this is a pilot study, further studies with more larger sample sizes need to be undertaken to confirm its use as a diagnostic tool in clinical trials.