The effect of Octapinol on dento-gingival plaque and development of gingivitis. II. Long-term studies in beagle dogs.

Abstract

The effect of a new substance (Octapinol) on the development of dento‐gingival plaque and gingivitis has been studied in beagle dogs over a one year period. Ten test and nine control animals were used. At the start of the experiment all animals had normal gingiva and clean teeth. On day 0 of the experiment all tooth cleaning procedures were abolished, and the animals were fed a diet allowing accumulation of plaque and development of gingivitis. In each of the experimental dogs one side of the mouth was randomly chosen to constitute the test side, where the test solution was applied twice daily. In one quadrant on the opposite side a placebo solution was applied. The other quadrant was used as a non‐treated control. In the control dogs a placebo solution was applied on one side while the other side was used as a non‐treated control. The gingival and periodontal alterations were determined using the following parameters: plaque index, calculus index, gingival index, amount of gingival exudate, probing pocket depth, and loss of attachment. Registrations were performed on day 0 and after 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 40, and 52 weeks. During the 52‐week experimental period it was found that the tested compound decreased the amount of plaque formed on the teeth and lowered the degree of gingival inflammation in comparison with control regions. No loss of attachment was noted in the two groups of animals. The results indicate that the tested compound counteracts the development of plaque and gingivitis during a 12‐month period of no mechanical oral hygiene in beagle dogs.