Objective: Periodontal disease is a common clinical complication and has a negative impact on the quality of life and the welfare of companion dogs. Periodontal disease occurs when pathogenic bacteria are accumulated in the gingival sulcus, which favors biofilm formation. The oral health of dogs can be significantly compromised by dental plaque accumulation. Thus, this investigation demonstrates the effect of Enterococcus faecium probiotic, dextranase enzyme, and their combination on dental biofilm in the oral cavity of dogs.
Animals: The 30 dogs were referred to Polyclinic with no oral ulcers, severe periodontitis, and internal diseases.
Procedures: Dextranase enzyme, E faecium probiotic, and their combination were administered in the oral cavity of dogs. Microbiological samples were obtained from tooth surfaces and gums before and after intervention with the substances. Bacterial colonies were enumerated by using a colony counter. Also, Porphyromonas gingivalis hmuY gene expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis.
Results: The total colony count of the bacterial culture indicated that the dextranase enzyme, E faecium probiotic, and their combination significantly reduced the total bacteria count in the oral cavity. Moreover, in the reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis it was observed that using the combination of E faecium probiotic and dextranase enzyme decreases the hmuY gene expression of P gingivalis bacteria.
Clinical relevance: The results clearly indicated that the dextranase enzyme and E faecium probiotic could be used as preventive agents to reduce oral biofilm in dogs. Furthermore, no side effects were observed while using these substances.
Keywords: Enterococcus faecium; Porphyromonas gingivalis; dental biofilm; dextranase; probiotic.