The bacteriology of gingival crevices around erupting human incisors was studied with a technique described by Bervell (1960, 1964). 134 out of 196 samples gave growth in Trypticase Soy Broth and 37 out of 68 showed growth in NIH Thioglycollate Broth. A new technique was also used to obtain samples of any bacteria in the apical parts of the gingival crevices of erupting teeth. Iodine varnish was painted over the tooth and gingivae. An incision was then made with a small sterile scalpel, through the varnish membrane and the attached gingiva at right angles to the long axis of the tooth. A sterile steel blade was inserted through the incision to contact the enamel at the apical third of the gingival crevice. When this method was adapted, 24 out of 25 samples showed no growth in Trypticase Soy Broth. This result indicates that the technique avoids contamination from debris at the gingival margin or in the coronal part of the crevice. It should therefore, be of considerable value for studying the microbiota in the deeper parts of pathological pocket.