Evaluation of the Impact of Dental Prophylaxis on the Oral Microbiota of Dogs

Abstract

Dental prophylaxis is a routinely practiced veterinary procedure. Its effect on the plaque and oral microbiotas of dogs is not fully understood. Thirty dogs received a dental prophylaxis. Supragingival plaque and composite oral swabs were collected just prior to, and one week after dental prophylaxis. A subsample of 10 dogs was followed, and samples collected two and five weeks post-prophylaxis. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used for next-generation sequencing. Results reveal prophylaxis had a profound impact on both the plaque and oral microbiota. Rapid transition back to the pre-dental prophylaxis microbiota by five weeks post-treatment was seen for both environments. Study results suggest there are clear differences between the plaque and composite oral niches, which need to be studied and treated independently. It is evident prophylaxis alone is not enough to disrupt the course of the canine oral microbiota that is set towards increasing periodontal disease.