crevicular

Crevicular is an anatomical term describing something related to a crevice or sulcus. In dentistry, the term most often refers to the gingival crevice around teeth and to gingival crevicular fluid, the serum-like exudate that originates from the gingival connective tissue and flows into the sulcus. The word can also describe other crevice-associated structures in the oral cavity, though its primary clinical use relates to the gingival sulcus.

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is a small-volume fluid that increases in response to inflammation of the periodontium. In health, GCF is present in low and relatively constant amounts; during gingivitis and periodontitis, its volume and flow rate rise. GCF contains serum-derived components, inflammatory mediators, immune cells, enzymes and host-defense proteins. Common constituents include antibodies such as IgG, complement fragments, cytokines (e.g., interleukins), prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and matrix metalloproteinases that participate in connective tissue breakdown. The composition changes with disease activity and treatment.

Clinically, crevicular measures are used in periodontal assessment and research to gauge tissue inflammation, monitor progression, or evaluate response to therapy. Collection methods include absorbent paper strips, microcapillary tubes, or filter papers placed in the gingival sulcus to collect GCF for analysis. While not a definitive diagnostic test on its own, GCF profiling provides adjunct information about periodontal status and host response.