Intraoral Vestibular Pressure: Quantification and Implications on Gum Trophism

Introduction: This pioneering study delves into the dynamics of intraoral pressure, examining its consistency across different subjects and conditions. The null hypothesis is a different pressure at rest between the intraoral zone and the atmospheric pressure. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a novel apparatus and method, based on the concept of communicating vessels, the research aimed to measure resting intraoral pressure at the vestibular level. Results: The findings revealed no significant variations in intraoral pressure across different individuals or under varying sectors of analysis or wakefulness versus sleep state. The average resting pressure in the oral vestibule was identified to be −1.25 mmHg, suggesting a residual relative negative pressure post-swallowing that could aid in various physiological functions. Discussion: The values found align with previous studies on swallowing and with studies that have attempted to measure the intraoral pressure exerted by the muscles of cheeks and lips. The study further supports existing theories on peri-implant tissue maturation and the role of oral vacuum in promoting gingival growth. Specifically, it suggests a potential impact of the negative pressure gradient on gingival microcirculation as an explanation for the volumetric growth of gingival tissue. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present sample size, this research confirms the hypothesis related to intraoral pressure in understanding various physiological processes within the oral cavity, paving the way for further exploration in this domain with implications for dental and oral health practices.