While normal tissue pH is 7.4-7.6, the inflammatory response can reduce local pH to 5.5 or lower due to the damaged vasculature and the release of various enzymes during phagocytosis.2 This acidic pH is itself damaging to the surrounding tissues and, by stimulating new inflammatory reactions, acts to prolong the healing process.1 Conversely, in vitro testing of Bioglass has shown an increase in local pH around the graft material.3Clinical evaluations in oral and periodontal defects have demonstrated a reduced level of tissue inflammation over defects grafted with Bioglass.6 This may be attributed in part to the partial neutralization of the acidic pH changes normally seen during the inflammatory process.
