The aim of this experiment was to study clinical parameters when 3 different frequencies of tooth brushing were applied to sites of experimental gingivitis in beagle dogs. 12 beagle dogs, at the start of the experiment 2 years of age, were used. After a thorough cleaning, the maxillary left and right first, second and third premolars were brushed daily for a period of 8 weeks. Subsequently, for 4 weeks, all brushing was omitted in order to establish an experimental gingivitis. After this pre-experimental period, the dogs were distributed into 3 groups of 4 dogs each: one group was brushed 7 times a week, a second was brushed 3 times a week and the third group was brushed only once a week. Brushing was carried out for 24 weeks, only on the right sides of the upper jaws, the left upper jaws serving as controls. At regular intervals, plaque index, gingival index and probing depths were assessed. A brushing effect was calculated for each dog, to include information on all within-dog and between-dog variations. The present study demonstrated that only by brushing every day can clinically healthy gingivae be obtained in the beagle dog model with experimental gingivitis at baseline. The state of gingival health at baseline may be used to determined the frequency of brushing necessary to create or maintain healthy gingivae.

The aim of this experiment was to study clinical parameters when 3 different frequencies of plaque removal were applied to healthy gingivae in the beagle dog model. The maxillary first, second and third premolars of 12 beagle dogs, at the start of the experiment 2 years of age, were, after a thorough cleaning, submitted to daily plaque removal during a pre-experimental period of 8 weeks. At the start of the experiment, the dogs were distributed into 3 groups of 4 dogs each: one group was brushed 7 times a week, a second group was brushed 3 times a week and another group was brushed only once a week. Brushing was executed over a period of 24 weeks, on the right sides of the upper jaws. The left upper jaws served as controls. At regular intervals, the plaque index, the gingival index and probing depths were assessed. A "brushing effect" was calculated for each dog, to include information on all within-dog and between dog variations. Comparison of brushing effects revealed that in this experimental model, plaque removal with a frequency of 3 times a week was sufficient to preserve gingival health, whereas tooth brushing once a week resulted in gingival inflammation. Therefore it can be concluded that 3 times a week is the critical brushing frequency in the beagle dog model with healthy gingiva at baseline.

A constant‐force pocket probe is constructed by application of a constant‐force spring. This is wound on two cylinders in reverse‐winding mode. As the distance to the probe top is constant, a constant force is obtained. Very little experience is needed to master the rotating of the handle while using the probe.