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Ultrastructure of developing subgingival plaque in beagle dogs
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|August 1, 1985
Summary
Developing subgingival plaque in dogs rapidly forms a predominantly Gram-negative bacterial community within days of ceasing oral hygiene. This bacterial composition shifts over four weeks, with spirochetes dominating later stages of gingival inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Periodontology
- Electron microscopy
Background:
- Subgingival plaque is a key factor in periodontal disease.
- Understanding its early development and microbial shifts is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the ultrastructure and microbial composition of developing subgingival plaque in beagle dogs.
- To track changes in subgingival plaque over a 4-week period without oral hygiene.
Main Methods:
- Beagle dogs underwent intensive plaque control, followed by withdrawal of oral hygiene.
- Biopsies of gingival and dental tissues were collected at multiple time points (0, 4, 7, 21, 28 days).
- Samples were processed for electron microscopy to analyze plaque ultrastructure and bacterial morphology.
Main Results:
- Subgingival plaque, absent initially, formed within days of hygiene withdrawal.
- Bacteria primarily aggregated on the tooth surface, increasing in number apically.
- The plaque initially comprised Gram-negative cocci and rods, shifting to a predominance of spirochetes in later stages.
Conclusions:
- A predominantly Gram-negative subgingival flora can rapidly develop in dogs after cessation of oral hygiene.
- Significant shifts in bacterial composition occur within the subgingival plaque over a 4-week period.
- Spirochetes become predominant in later stages of subgingival plaque development, correlating with gingival inflammation.