Análise computadorizada para avaliação dos índices de placa bacteriana e cálculo dentário em cães (Canis familiaris)

Abstract

The Periodontal Disease is caused by dental plaque accumulation on teeth and adjacent structures. Indices have been formulated for its measurement considering the amount and intensity of Dental Plaque and Calculus in the oral cavity through subjective visual evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the computerized analysis method for measurement of Dental Plaque and Calculus areas on the teeth of dogs in an experimental antimicrobial products evaluation model, by comparison with the visual evaluation in the oral cavity and also by the analysis of Dental Plaque and in several teeth. Sixteen beagles with similar characteristics and kept under the same management and diet were used and divided into Negative Control group (no treatment) and Positive Control group (chlorhexidine 0.12% sprayed in the oral cavity daily). Evaluations of oral cavity occurred before the periodontal treatment (performed under general inhalation anesthesia) and after seven days for Dental Plaque, and 28 for Calculus. The computerized Calculus area evaluation showed statistically significant difference in relation to the visual evaluation before and after periodontal treatment in the Negative Control group, as well as sensitivity in the chlorhexidine performance analysis (Positive Control group). It was observed through computerized evaluation that greater amounts of Dental Plaque and Calculus accumulate on the maxillary teeth than on the mandibular ones; the fourth maxillary pre-molar teeth were more affected than the third, first and second pre-molar ones followed by canine and then lateral incisor and that the fourth mandibular pre-molar teeth are more affected than third and second pre-molar ones followed by the first molar and canine. The area affected by Dental Plaque and Calculus on the lateral maxillary incisor teeth and on the four canines was below the range of 25% and its exclusion influenced significantly in the calculation of these parameters. It was concluded that the computerized evaluation is beneficial when compared to the visual one, requiring only one evaluator, and provides greater precision in the area measurement; and that teeth less affected by Dental Plaque and Calculus can sub-represent others more involved in the composition of oral cavity indices.