THE PRESENCE OF BACTERIA IN THE HEALTHY GINGIVAL SULCUS

¹ Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, Pa.

The healthy gingival sulcus is not sterile. In 86 examinations of clinically healthy gingival sulci, bacteria were present in 95.9 per cent of orally healthy adults, 90 per cent of adults at the successful conclusion of periodontal treatment, and 88.8 per cent of children.

Identified organisms in the order of the frequency of their occurrence were N. catarrhalis, Str. alpha hemolyticus, yeasts, pneumococci, Staph. albus hemolyticus, Dip. pneumoniae, lactobacilli, Str. hemolyticus, Sar. lutea, Str. beta hemolyticus.

Sterilization of the teeth and gingivae with iodo-glycerol solution sterilizes the sulcus also.