Two Japanese animal science studies tell us that the proliferation rate of oral bacteria far exceeds your imagination. Within just one week after dental scaling, bacterial counts can rebound to pre-scaling levels.

The natural defense components in saliva—lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase—are the key weapons in fighting this bacterial battle.

1 Week

Within just one week after dental scaling,
oral bacterial counts
rebound to pre-procedure levels.
10 Minutes
After ingesting lactoferrin tablets,
it takes only 10 minutes
for the bad breath index to decrease significantly.
8 Weeks
After 8 weeks of continuous use of lactoperoxidase toothpaste,
the calculus index is
significantly lower than the control group.
Research Background

These two studies are from the Gifu University School of Veterinary Medicine (2016) and the Morinaga Milk Industry research team (2020), respectively. The former systematically compared the effects of three care regimens—dental scaling, tooth brushing, and using lactoperoxidase toothpaste—on 12 healthy beagles. The latter, through a randomized controlled clinical trial, verified the practical efficacy of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase in inhibiting harmful oral bacteria and improving breath.

🔬 The Hidden Superpower of Saliva—Understanding the "Lactoperoxidase System" in 4 Steps

Bad Bacteria Invade!
1
🦠
Periodontal pathogens quietly multiply in the mouth, continuously releasing odorous substances—this is the root cause of dog bad breath.
Saliva Springs into Action!
2
💧
Saliva naturally contains the enzyme "lactoperoxidase," like an invisible security guard in the mouth.
Triggering a Chemical Reaction!
3
⚡
The guard mixes two natural components in saliva, instantly generating the potent natural disinfectant OSCN⁻.
Bad Bacteria Are Eliminated!
4
🏆
OSCN⁻ continuously patrols the mouth, eliminating periodontal pathogens, reducing bad breath, and promoting healthier gums.
Simple Analogy:
💡 簡單比喻：Lactoperoxidase functions like a chef, transforming existing "ingredients" in saliva (SCN⁻ + H₂O₂) into a "weapon" (OSCN⁻) that eliminates harmful bacteria—entirely natural and operating 24 hours a day in your dog's oral cavity.
* Petina oral care film supplements lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase in the natural salivary ratio (8:1), enhancing the potency of this defense system.

Key Finding One: Bacterial Rebound Occurs Rapidly

Research from Gifu University found that dogs receiving only dental scaling without follow-up care (control group) experienced a rapid rebound in oral bacteria within the first week, returning to pre-scaling levels and maintaining that state for a full eight weeks. In other words,the effects of dental scaling are extremely short-lived,and if owners do not provide subsequent care, the results are nearly equivalent to having done nothing.

In contrast, the daily toothbrushing group maintained consistently low bacterial levels, significantly lower than both the control group and the toothpaste group. Toothbrushing has been confirmed to achieve a 70% bacterial reduction rate in humans, and this canine study corroborated the same high efficacy.

"Daily toothbrushing is currently the most effective method for controlling oral bacteria in dogs. For dogs that resist toothbrushing, products containing the lactoperoxidase system represent a scientifically supported alternative." — Adapted from Watanabe et al., J Vet Med Sci, 2016
📌 Research Supplement

The study utilized dielectrophoretic impedance measurement (DEPIM), which enables comprehensive detection of various bacterial species in the oral cavity, including difficult-to-culture bacteria, allowing bacterial counts to more closely reflect the true oral environment. This technology has also been widely adopted in human oral care research.

三組犬隻口腔細菌數量變化折線圖：對照組（僅洗牙）、每日刷牙組、乳過氧化物酶牙膏組，0至8週對比
Source: Watanabe et al., J Vet Med Sci, 2016 · Values represent research trend indications

Key Finding Two: Antibacterial Efficacy of the Lactoperoxidase System

Although the toothpaste group (containing the lactoperoxidase system) still experienced a bacterial rebound in the first week, bacterial levels subsequently showed a steady downward trend and became significantly lower than the control group by weeks five to seven. The researchers explained that this is becausehypothiocyanite (OSCN⁻)—the antimicrobial substance generated by the lactoperoxidase-catalyzed reaction—requires a period of time to accumulate to a sufficient bactericidal concentration.

Even more noteworthy were the dental calculus index results: by week eight, the toothpaste group exhibited significantly lower calculus accumulation than the control group. This indicates that for dogs unable to tolerate toothbrushing, care products containing the lactoperoxidase system can indeed provide meaningful protection.

⚠️ Important Notes

The study also confirmed that the effects of lactoperoxidase toothpaste alone are still inferior to daily toothbrushing. If your dog accepts toothbrushing, it should be the primary choice; lactoperoxidase care products are suitable as a supplement or alternative, particularly for brachycephalic breeds or dogs that resist toothbrushing.

三組犬隻牙石指數對比柱狀圖：第8週時乳過氧化物酶牙膏組顯著低於對照組
Source: Watanabe et al., J Vet Med Sci, 2016 · Values represent research trend indications

Key Finding Three: Noticeable Breath Improvement Within 10 Minutes

Research by Morinaga Milk Industry brought encouraging news. They administered tablets containing lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase to subjects with halitosis, and results showed that within just 10 minutes,the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC)—the primary components of bad breath—was significantly lower than in the placebo group. A longer-term (8-week) follow-up study also found that the relative proportion of the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis decreased markedly.

The study specifically noted that these effects are "equally applicable to pet oral health foods." For owners who interact closely with their furry companions daily, this is undoubtedly the most direct encouragement—every care action you choose for them brings visible change.

"The combined efficacy of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase has been validated in human clinical trials, with researchers explicitly indicating its application potential extends to pet oral health products." — Adapted from Nakano et al., J Anim Sci, 2020
After ingesting lactoferrin tablets,
10 Minutes After Administration
8 Weeks
8:1
Lactoferrin : Lactoperoxidase
Optimal Ratio (Identical to Saliva)
After 8 weeks of continuous use of lactoperoxidase toothpaste,
Continuous Use Significantly Reduces
Periodontal Pathogen Proportion
2 Billion
Each Petina Film Contains
Over 2 Billion KT-11 Lactic Acid Bacteria

What You Can Do

  1. Establish a Daily Care Routine.Research clearly indicates that without daily care after dental scaling, bacteria will fully rebound within one week. Daily consistency, even with just one step, is far more effective than occasional "deep cleaning."
  2. Gradually Train Acceptance of Toothbrushing.Start by letting your dog lick the toothpaste, then gradually introduce the toothbrush. If your dog remains resistant, begin with films or enzyme-containing care products as an alternative to maintain a basic oral defense.
  3. Utilize Lactoferrin and Lactoperoxidase Ingredients.These two components are naturally present in saliva and are part of the oral cavity's innate immune system. Petina's oral care film combines them in the optimal 8:1 ratio, while also incorporating inactivated KT-11 lactic acid bacteria to help oral and intestinal immune cells work in concert, comprehensively supporting oral health.
  4. Schedule Regular Veterinary Dental Check-ups.At least one professional oral evaluation per year can detect periodontal issues invisible to the naked eye early, allowing daily care to achieve its maximum effectiveness.
Build a Daily Oral Defense for Your Furry Friend
Petina Pet Oral Care Film is science-based, featuring the optimal ratio of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase combined with inactivated KT-11 lactic acid bacteria. One film daily, easily applied to the gums, allows the ingredients to be released slowly in the oral cavity. Each film contains over 2 billion lactic acid bacteria, ensuring every smile receives the best protection.
Learn More About Petina Pet Oral Care Film →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Dog halitosis is primarily caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced when anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity (especially periodontal pathogens) decompose proteins. Studies indicate that 80% of dogs over three years of age suffer from varying degrees of periodontal disease, with halitosis often being one of the earliest symptoms to appear. *Porphyromonas gingivalis*)

Lactoperoxidase is a naturally occurring enzyme in saliva. It catalyzes the reaction between thiocyanate ions (SCN⁻) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in saliva, generating hypothiocyanite ions (OSCN⁻) with potent antibacterial effects, thereby continuously inhibiting the proliferation of harmful oral bacteria. A Japanese study showed that dogs using toothpaste containing the lactoperoxidase system exhibited significantly lower dental calculus indices after eight weeks compared to the control group.

According to a 2016 study by Gifu University, if no follow-up daily care is provided after a dental cleaning, oral bacterial counts can rebound to pre-procedure levels within just one week. Therefore, dental cleaning is merely a starting point, and daily oral care habits are key to maintaining results.

For dogs resistant to tooth brushing, care products containing the lactoperoxidase system (such as oral care films or toothpaste) are scientifically supported alternatives. Petina Pet Oral Care Film combines lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase in an 8:1 ratio, applied daily to the gums for slow release of active ingredients, making it particularly suitable for brachycephalic breeds or senior dogs.

Lactoferrin is a protein with direct antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions; it binds to iron ions, depriving bacteria of the iron needed for growth. Lactoperoxidase, on the other hand, is an enzyme that generates OSCN⁻ through catalytic reactions to kill bacteria. The two coexist in saliva at an approximate ratio of 8:1, achieving optimal synergistic effects.

This article was Edited and compiled by Pawshub.HK Updated:

Academic Source:
Watanabe K. et al. (2016). Inhibitory effect for proliferation of oral bacteria in dogs by tooth brushing. J Vet Med Sci. 78(7):1205–1208. PMC4976280
Nakano M. et al. (2020). The use of lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase for oral health. J Anim Sci. 98(Suppl 4):67. PMC7702446

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary diagnosis or medical advice. Please consult a licensed veterinarian if you have any questions.