Discussion
Body fluids have been used for the screening of systemic
diseases and periodontitis. Some studies have demonstrated
the usefulness of GCF (10-12) and saliva for the diagnosis
of periodontitis (13). Although a lot of evidence has
accumulated for the use of GCF for diagnosis of
periodontitis, this approach has a demerit in that a special
technique is necessary for sampling. In addition, it is
difficult to obtain GCF from all sites of the dentition.
Smith et al. (10) have shown that GCF volume and enzyme
activities differed among 6 sites sampled. Thus, it is
difficult to present values representative of a subject’s
oral cavity or even of one tooth. Thus, GCF may be