Inhibition of plaque formation and gingivitis in beagle dogs by topical use of a degradable controlled-release system containing chlorhexidine.

The in vivo efficacy of a newly-developed dental application of a film-forming, chlorhexidine-containing system was examined in beagle dogs. A self-disintegrating film-forming solution was applied three times weekly to the dentitions of 7 out of 13 dogs, which were fed a soft-food diet. Plaque accumulation (Plaque Index) and gingival inflammation (Gingival Index) were recorded at one, two, four, six, and eight weeks. The local delivery of low-dose chlorhexidine to dogs significantly inhibited gingivitis and plaque formation. It is concluded that the dental application of a film-forming system may be a preferable method of periodontal disease prophylaxis, and may enhance supragingival plaque control in areas of isolated periodontal problems associated with obvious local predisposing factors.