The inflammatory reactions in the gingiva appear to be linked with demonstrable alterations in somatosensory function incorporating both hyper and hypoesthesia.

A case-control analysis was performed to determine the mechanical and thermal sensory thresholds of gingiva in individuals suffering from plaque-stimulated gingivitis in comparison with the control cohort. This was done to elucidate the impact of an inflammatory situation on somatosensory function in the oral mucosa.

The experimental group included 22 patients; 10 males, 12 females; aged between 20-30 years; and the control group included gender, age-matched 22 healthy individuals. A random identification of a lower lateral incisor (32 or 42) was made. The quantitative sensory testing (QST) method was applied for Warm detection threshold (WDT), cold detection threshold (CDT), heat pain threshold (HPT) and cold pain threshold (CPT) of the attached gingiva at the identified lower lateral incisors of the study population. Moreover, pressure pain threshold (PPT) was examined from vertical and lateral directions. The identified mean values between the two groups were compared by one-way ANOVA.

The cold detection threshold, warm detection threshold, and heat pain threshold at the gingiva and pressure pain threshold at the detected lower lateral incisors from the vertical direction displayed less sensitivity. On the other hand, the pressure pain threshold at the gingiva of the identified lateral incisors displayed more sensitivity in the gingivitis cohort in comparison with the control cohort.

The inflammatory response and the plaque-stimulated gingivitis seem to be linked with substantial alterations in somatosensory sensitivity at the gingiva and periodontal tissue in a bidirectional mode, i.e., both elevated and declined sensitivity to various types of stimuli. Gingiva in plaque-induced gingivitis showed more sensitivity to mechanical stimulation but less sensitivity to thermal stimulation. The periodontal ligament around the involved teeth demonstrated signs of desensitization to the mechanical stimulation. 

The occurrence of the inflammatory response in the gingiva appears to be related to evident alterations in somatosensory function and these outcomes may have importance for well-being and general oral health in individuals with even plaque-stimulated gingivitis.