Newer insights into gingival microcirculation: understanding blood flow dynamics in periodontal health and disease

Abstract Microcirculation, the flow of blood in the minutest blood vessels, involves arterioles, metarterioles, capillaries, and venules, linking arterial and venous vessels. Essential functions include oxygen transport to tissue cells and contributing to peripheral vascular resistance. Microcirculation disorders often start with arteriolar spasms, affecting capillary blood flow. Specific rheological effects like erythrocyte aggregation occur in microvessels. Gingival inflammation and periodontitis involve pathological angiogenesis and increased microvessel density, impacting periodontal health through transcapillary metabolism. Microcirculation in the periodontium is vital for delivering nutrients and removing waste, essential for maintaining healthy periodontal tissues.