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The Effect of Metronidazole on Established Gingivitis and Plaque in Beagle Dogs
Author(s) -
Heijl Lars,
Lindhe Jan
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1982.53.3.180
Subject(s) - beagle , medicine , metronidazole , gingivitis , debridement (dental) , dentistry , connective tissue , dental alveolus , premolar , gingival and periodontal pocket , molar , periodontitis , pathology , antibiotics , chemistry , biochemistry
T his investigation compared metronidazole (Flagyl®) therapy and mechanical debridement for their effect on established plaque and gingivitis in seven female beagle dogs showing signs of advanced loss of periodontal tissue support. A phase of breakdown of the supporting structures was induced by installation of copper bands, subsequently replaced by cotton floss ligatures in the premolar and molar regions of the dentition. After 60 days the ligatures were removed but plaque and calculus were allowed to accumulate for the remaining 30 days of a preexperimental period. During the experimental period five dogs (test group) were given metronidazole systemically each day for 56 days. The teeth of the other two dogs (control group) were carefully scaled with curettes and the tooth surfaces polished. The mechanical debridement was repeated after 2 and 4 weeks. The control dogs were also subjected to daily tooth brushing. Clinical examination, collection of subgingival plaque and biopsy sampling were carried out on experimental Days 0, 14, 28 and 56. The result demonstrated that systemic administration of metronidazole in dogs with long‐standing gingivitis and advanced loss of alveolar bone and attachment, markedly altered the composition of the microbiota of the periodontal pockets and reduced the size of the connective tissue infiltrate in the gingiva. However, although the size of the connective tissue infiltrate was reduced, clinical parameters describing the degree of gingivitis (Gingival Index, Gingival Exudate) were not influenced by metronidazole therapy. Mechanical debridement followed by daily toothbrushing resulted in low Plaque and Gingival Index scores and in the establishment of a normal, noninfiltrated gingiva. The mechanical approach to treatment was superior to the drug therapy.