Artificial periodontal defects and frequency of tooth brushing in beagle dogs (I). Clinical findings after creation of the defects.

This investigation was designed to determine the influence of different frequencies of tooth brushing on artificial periodontal defects in the beagle dog shortly after creation. In 12 beagle dogs, periodontal defects were created using elastic bands placed in the sulci below the gingival margin after having cut the dento-gingival fibres to the level of the alveolar bone. This active phase of creating defects lasted for 6 weeks. 6 premolars in the lower jaw were used (2P2, 3P3, 4P4). After removal of the elastic bands, the 12 dogs were distributed into 3 groups of 4 dogs each. Each group was brushed with a certain frequency, i.e., 7 times, 3 times or once a week. Plaque index, gingival index and probing depth, using a constant force probe, were assessed interproximally. The experiment lasted for 24 weeks. For hypothesis testing, a brushing effect was calculated for each dog. Furthermore, an analysis was performed based on the absolute scores at week 24. From the statistical analysis, it was concluded that in artificially-induced periodontal defects in beagle dogs immediately after creation, brushing 7 times a week is superior to brushing 3 times a week to establish and maintain gingival health.