Bacterial Aerosols Released During Dental Ultrasonic Scaling in Dogs

Periodontal disease is a high prevalent and multi-factorial oral disease in dogs and ultrasonic scaling is used to remove dental plaque and calculus, releasing contaminated aerosols, which may represent a hazard to animal and human health. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms present in aerosols produced during dental scaling of canine patients. A random sample of 15 dogs with periodontal disease was included, and aerosol samples were collected, incubated, and isolated bacteria were identified. Dogs without previous antibiotic treatment (n=4) and dogs that received systemic antibiotics up to two weeks before to dental scaling and polishing, either amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (n=3), or a combination of metronidazole and spiramycin (n=8), were included in the study. The highest percentage of pathogenic bacteria present corresponded to Pseudomonas spp. (20%), followed by Staphylococcus spp. (13%) and Escherichia coli (10%). The most prevalent bacteria identified in the non-treated group was Pseudomonas spp. Within the group subject to prior antibiotherapy, the predominant bacterial species was also Pseudomonas spp. Followed by Staphylococcus spp. In spite of previous antibiotherapy, strong bacterial contamination was still present, suggesting that this is not a warranty of less contamination of the released aerosols. The bacteria identified in this study represent a serious hazard to public and animal health, so strict hygiene and prevention measures during ultrasonic scaling in dogs are mandatory.