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Oral Health Benefits of a Daily Dental Chew in Dogs
Abstract
An independent study was conducted to determine and quantify the oral care benefits of a daily edible dental chew in dogs as measured by plaque and calculus control, gingival indices, and oral malodor. A "clean mouth" test model was used comparing a commercial dry diet and a commercial dry diet plus one dental chew per day. The dental chew tested was representative of a retail canine dental chew. The test dental chew was a green-colored dental dog chew with a flexible texture that can be readily chewed by dogs. They are made with a knuckle bone shape on one end and a toothbrush shape on the other end. Sixty adult dogs were allocated in either control or test groups based on plaque stratification and studied for 28-days. The test group (30 dogs) received a dry diet and 1 dental chew each day. The control group (30 dogs) received the same dry diet only. At the end of the study, measurements of plaque and calculus accumulation and evaluations of oral malodor and gingival heath were performed. Adding a dental chew to the diet resulted in statistically significant reductions in plaque and calculus accumulation, and oral malodor while improving gingival indices.
... Because of its role in periodontitis, it is important to continually remove plaque from teeth. This may be accomplished by mechanical removal (brushing, scaling, and dental chews) and/or by using chemical additives (chlorhexidine gluconate/ polyphosphates/immunoglobulin Y) for the prevention and control of periodontal disease Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006b;Clarke et al., 2011;Shofiqur et al., 2011;Albuquerque et al., 2012;Quest, 2013;Harvey et al., 2015;Lacerda and Alessi, 2015;Adepu et al., 2018;Oba et al., 2018;Stella et al., 2018). Dental chews have been proven to be an easy and highly accepted method for the removal of SUP plaque accumulation, with chews having varied shapes and sizes with or without additives being sold commercially (Gorrel and Rawlings, 1996;Rawlings et al., 1998;Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006b;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013;Garanayak et al., 2019;Carroll et al., 2020;Ruparell et al., 2020). ...
... This may be accomplished by mechanical removal (brushing, scaling, and dental chews) and/or by using chemical additives (chlorhexidine gluconate/ polyphosphates/immunoglobulin Y) for the prevention and control of periodontal disease Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006b;Clarke et al., 2011;Shofiqur et al., 2011;Albuquerque et al., 2012;Quest, 2013;Harvey et al., 2015;Lacerda and Alessi, 2015;Adepu et al., 2018;Oba et al., 2018;Stella et al., 2018). Dental chews have been proven to be an easy and highly accepted method for the removal of SUP plaque accumulation, with chews having varied shapes and sizes with or without additives being sold commercially (Gorrel and Rawlings, 1996;Rawlings et al., 1998;Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006b;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013;Garanayak et al., 2019;Carroll et al., 2020;Ruparell et al., 2020). ...
... x-z Means with different superscripts within a row differ by Wilcoxon's test (P < 0.05). Clarke et al., 2011;Shofiqur et al., 2011;Albuquerque et al., 2012;Quest, 2013;Harvey et al., 2015;Lacerda and Alessi, 2015;Adepu et al., 2018;Oba et al., 2018;Stella et al., 2018). In the past, it was proven that dental chews could contribute to the maintenance of dental hygiene and periodontal health (Gorrel and Rawlings, 1996;Rawlings et al., 1998;Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006b;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013;Garanayak et al., 2019;Carroll et al., 2020;Ruparell et al., 2020), showing that the daily addition of chews to a dry diet was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on the tooth surfaces and also reducing the severity of gingivitis and oral malodor as compared with feeding the dry diet only . ...
Microbiota plays a prominent role in periodontal disease, but the canine oral microbiota and how dental chews may affect these populations have been poorly studied. We aimed to determine the differences in oral microbiota of adult dogs consuming dental chews compared to control dogs consuming only a diet. Twelve adult female beagle dogs (mean age = 5.31 ± 1.08 yr) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design consisting of 28-d periods. Treatments (n=12/group) included: Diet only (CT); Diet + Bones & Chews Dental Treats (BC; Chewy, Inc., Dania Beach, FL); Diet + Dr. Lyon’s Grain-Free Dental Treats (DL; Dr. Lyon’s, LLC, Dania Beach, FL); Diet + Greenies Dental Treats (GR; Mars Petcare US, Franklin, TN). Each day, one chew was provided 4h after mealtime. On d27, breath samples were analyzed for total volatile sulfur compound concentrations using a Halimeter. On d0 of each period, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist blinded to treatments. Teeth were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by the same veterinary dentist on d28 of each period. After scoring, salivary (SAL), subgingival (SUB), and supragingival (SUP) samples were collected for microbiota analysis using Illumina MiSeq. All data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4) using the Mixed Models procedure, with p<0.05 considered significant. All dogs consuming chews had lower calculus coverage and thickness, pocket depth and bleeding, plaque thickness, and halitosis compared to CT. In all sites of collection, CT dogs had a higher relative abundance of one or more potentially pathogenic bacteria (Porphyromonas, Anaerovorax, Desulfomicrobium, Tannerella, and Treponema) and lower relative abundance of one or more genera associated with oral health (Neisseria, Corynebacterium, Capnocytophaga, Actinomyces, Lautropia, Bergeyella, and Moraxella) than those fed chews. DL reduced Phorphyromonas in SUP and SUB samples. DL and GR reduced Treponema in SUP samples. DL increased Corynebacterium in all sites of collection. BC increased Corynebacterium in SAL samples. DL and GR increased Neisseria in SAL samples. DL increased Actinomyces in SUB sample. GR increased Actinomyces in SAL samples. Our results suggest that the dental chews tested in this study may aid in reducing periodontal disease risk in dogs by beneficially shifting the microbiota inhabiting plaque and saliva of a dog’s oral cavity. These shifts occurred over a short period of time and were correlated with improved oral health scores.
... As novel dental chews enter the market, there is growing interest in evaluating their efficacy in preventing plaque and calculus buildup through mechanical action. If successful, dental chews may be a convenient tool for the prevention of PD while providing dogs an enjoyable treat (Gorrel and Rawlings, 1996;Brown and McGenity, 2005;Quest, 2013). ...
... Several studies conducted over the past 25 yr have used similar assessments to determine the effects of dental chews akin to those investigated in the current study Brown and McGenity, 2005;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013;Allan et al., 2019). Similar to what was done in the current study, the majority of these studies used a "clean mouth" test model to assess the efficacy of a novel dental chew (chew + diet) against a diet alone. ...
... However, numerous studies have shown improvements in multiple PD measures (Gorrel and Rawlings, 1996;Brown and McGenity, 2005). A few studies also have measured and shown benefits on halitosis Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013). ...
Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of daily dental chew administration on oral health outcomes in adult dogs. Twelve adult (mean age = 5.31 ± 1.08 yr; mean BW = 13.12 ± 1.39 kg) female beagle dogs were used in a replicated 4x4 Latin square design consisting of 28-d periods. On d 0 of each period, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist blinded to treatments. Teeth then were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by the same veterinary dentist on d 28 of each period. Breath samples were measured for malodor (volatile sulfur compounds) on d 1, 7, 14, 21, and 27 of each period. All dogs consumed the same commercial dry diet throughout the study. Control dogs were offered the diet only, while treatment groups received the diet plus one of three dental chews. Two novel chews [Bones & Chews Dental Treats (Chewy, Inc., Dania Beach, FL); Dr. Lyon’s Grain-Free Dental Treats (Dr. Lyon’s, LLC, Dania Beach, FL)] and a leading brand chew [Greenies Dental Treats (Mars Petcare US, Franklin, TN)] were tested. Each day, one chew was provided 4 hr after mealtime. All tooth scoring data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Halimeter data were analyzed using repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS and testing for differences due to treatment, time, and treatment*time interaction. Data are reported as LS means ± SEM with statistical significance set at p&0.05. Dr. Lyon’s dental treats performed at the same level as the leading brand, Greenies, as both resulted in lower (p&0.05) plaque coverage and thickness scores, calculus coverage scores, and d 27 volatile sulfur concentrations compared to controls. Additionally, Dr. Lyon’s dental treats reduced (p&0.05) volatile sulfur compounds on d 14 when compared to controls. Bones and Chews dental treats reduced (p&0.05) calculus coverage and d 27 volatile sulfur concentrations compared to controls. Our results suggest that the dental chews tested in this study may help slow the development and/or progression of periodontal disease in dogs.
... The removal can be done by mechanical (Brushing, scaling, ultrasonic scaling, and dental chew) and chemical (chlorhexidine gluconate, and special diet) means for the prevention and control of periodontal disease [1,4,5,9,10]. The use of dental chews of varied shapes and sizes with or without an anti-calculus agent has been demonstrated as one of the easiest methods for removal of supragingival plaque accumulation [5,8,[10][11][12]. ...
... The severity of gingivitis was measured according to previous research methodology with slight modification [12]. Visible changes in the gingival were taken into consideration for the scoring of gingivitis. ...
... Even if prophylactic measures were undertaken, plaque already deposited at difficult sites (interdental spaces and periodontal spaces) may again start new depositions. The appearance of higher amount of fresh plaques without any control measures like in the control group has been reported by many workers [8,11,12,24]. ...
Background and aim:
Periodontitis is the most prevalent inflammatory dental disease caused by a lack of oral hygiene measures in domestic animals. The periodontal disease complex arises as a result of bacterial biofilm deposition termed as plaque on the tooth surface. Lack of cleaning measures either mechanical or chemical credit for the condition. The present study was conducted to screen the animals for the presence of plaque deposition, gingivitis, along with various control measures for the same.
Materials and methods:
Thirty-two dogs of different age groups were evaluated for the presence of plaque and gingivitis by scoring method to estimate the extent of severity. Scaling of the tooth surface was done by ultrasonic scaling machine to remove the plaques, and the animals were divided into four treatment groups to study the effects of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine for control of plaque.
Results:
Present study revealed 71.87% and 34.37% of the screened animals were having plaque deposition and varied degrees of gingivitis respectively. A positive coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.89 (p<0.05) between advancing age and plaque deposition and 0.85 (p<0.05) between age and level of gingivitis was obtained. Two groups receiving dental chew and 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine showed lower plaque deposits, and the fourth treatment group receiving both dental chew and chlorhexidine showed 100% animals remained free from fresh plaque deposits.
Conclusion:
The present study showed a strong positive relationship between age and plaque deposition and gingivitis. The study also showed that oral hygiene measures such as use of dental hygiene chew and chlorhexidine application can reduce plaque deposition and periodontitis in domesticated canines.
... Addition of different types of dental chews to a dry diet reduced breath sulfur in dogs (6,15,16). Prior to testing, the dogs' teeth were scaled and polished. There were 17-30 dogs per treatment, which lasted 4 weeks. ...
... A once-daily chew regimen appears to control oral malodor as it preserved a low, flat diurnal pattern of breath sulfur (18). All the chews that improved halitosis also reduced accumulation of dental deposits, just like severity of gingivitis (6,(15)(16)(17). ...
... Within the range of 2 to 8 (on a 0-10 scale) for organoleptic halitosis scores, a difference in volatile sulfur compound concentration in dog breath of 1 ppb equals a score change of 0.041 unit as based on the linear regression line (2). After 4 weeks of feeding a dry diet without or with dental chew, the group-mean control versus test sulfur concentrations were 125 versus 102 (6), 160 versus 126 (15) and 128 versus 70 ppb (16). The mean chew effect of 38.3 ppb lowering corresponds with a decrease of the halitosis score by 1.57 unit (38.3 x 0.041). ...
... In dogs, as well as in humans, halitosis is primarily caused by specific microbes, which can break down sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine to release VSCs, primarily hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and methyl overall efficacy of brown algae is variable and greatly affected by form factor [42,43]. Often, mechanical chews include other active ingredients that are meant to more effectively treat microbial pathogens [44][45][46][47][48]. However, in studies that compare chews with and without additives, head-to-head evidence of improved efficacy is limited [44,47,48]. ...
... This comparison provides particularly compelling evidence of COHP's efficacy given that COHP was delivered as a single-ingredient powder topper, whereas the dental chews combine mechanical action, the extended contact time of a chew, and many different oral health active ingredients. Beyond this, as noted by Carroll et al., most studies on dental chews have only reported effects that are~10% to~60% as large as what was observed in this study [35,36,45,46]. A more recent study by Wang et al. reports a comparable effect to that found by Carroll et al. on Day 29 [45,61]. ...
A majority of dogs suffer from some form of periodontal disease. This frequently manifests as halitosis or oral malodor, caused by microbes underlying poor oral health. Pathogenic oral microbes process dietary or host proteins into volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are perceived as malodorous and can further contribute to inflammation and periodontal disease progression. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluated the ability of Superculture® Pet Oral, a novel canine oral health postbiotic (COHP), to reduce canine oral malodor. In total, 24 dogs were stratified into two groups based on starting VSC levels. The groups received either COHP or a placebo as a powder topper for 14 days. VSC levels were measured via a Halimeter on Days 0, 7, and 14. Perceived malodor was also scored on the same days. COHP significantly decreased VSCs from baseline by Day 7 by 22% (p = 0.002). In the placebo group, VSCs increased over the course of the study. Throughout the study, COHP lowered VSC levels by 27% compared to the placebo (p = 0.004), and fully prevented an increase in VSCs compared to the baseline. Additionally, VSCs were correlated with the human perception of malodor, and twice as many dogs in the COHP group had perceptibly improved breath on Day 7 compared to the placebo, measured through a 10-point scaled survey. These findings validate the ability of this novel postbiotic to effectively reduce canine oral malodor and provide preliminary evidence that it may more broadly help to maintain canine oral health.
... Some of them may include chemical anti plaque agents in their composition to enhance their efficacy. Quest (2013) showed that adding a dental chew to the regular diet of dogs for 28 days resulted in statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and calculus accumulation as well as improved halitosis and gingival indices [73]. [74][75][76]. ...
... Some of them may include chemical anti plaque agents in their composition to enhance their efficacy. Quest (2013) showed that adding a dental chew to the regular diet of dogs for 28 days resulted in statistically significant reductions in dental plaque and calculus accumulation as well as improved halitosis and gingival indices [73]. [74][75][76]. ...
Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent oral inflammatory diseases in dogs. PD onset begins with the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm (dental plaque) on the surface of the teeth, followed by a local host inflammatory response. To manage this disease, several procedures focusing on the prevention and control of dental plaque establishment, as well as on the prevention of local and systemic PD-related consequences, are essential. The removal of dental plaque and the inhibition of its formation can be achieved by a combination of dental hygiene homecare procedures including tooth brushing, the application of different oral products and the use of specific diet and chew toys, and regular professional periodontal procedures. Additionally, in some cases, periodontal surgery may be required to reduce PD progression. Associated with these measures, host modulation therapy, antimicrobial therapy, and other innovative therapeutic options may be useful in PD management. Moreover, PD high prevalence and its relation with potential local and systemic consequences reinforce the need for investment in the development of new preventive measures, treatments, and oral procedures to improve the control of this disease in dogs. Knowledge on the specific guidelines and diversity of the available products and procedures are fundamental to apply the most adequate treatment to each dog with PD.
... Regular incorporation of dental chews into a dog's feeding regime has the potential to promote periodontal health [31] as well as reduce oral malodour. A study to assess the benefits of feeding a daily dental chew in dogs found statistically significant reductions in plaque and calculus accumulation and oral malodour while improving gingival indices [32]. Another study investigated the effect of a vegetable dental chew and showed daily administration decreased halitosis as well as significantly reducing gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation [33]. ...
... Reduction of plaque and calculus levels are common claims for canine dental products with several studies reporting data to support the efficacy of specific canine dental chews on improved oral health [31][32][33]46]. In a recent study, Ruparell et al. [19] reported that supplementation of diet with a daily oral care chew increased the proportion of health-associated bacteria over bacteria associated with periodontal disease in canine supragingival plaque. ...
Background:
Oral malodour is identified by pet owners as an unpleasant inconvenience, but they may not recognise this likely indicates underlying disease. The primary cause of oral malodour relates to the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity often associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of feeding two oral care chews with different textural properties on oral malodour and the proportion of bacterial species involved in the production of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
Methods:
Fourteen dogs (9 Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) and 5 Beagle dogs) participated in the randomised cross-over study for a total of 14 weeks. The cohort was divided into four groups with each exposed to a different intervention per week: chew A, chew B, tooth brushing control or a no intervention control. An induced malodour method was used to assess VSCs in breath samples using a portable gas chromatograph (OralChroma™). Microbiological samples (supragingival plaque and tongue coating scrapes) were analysed for VSC-producing bacteria using Oral Hydrogen Sulfide agar with lead acetate.
Results:
VSCs were detected in the dogs' breath samples and levels of hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan were found to be reduced following an intervention. Chew B significantly reduced the levels of both hydrogen sulphide (p < 0.001) and methyl mercaptan (p < 0.05) compared to no intervention. Reductions in methyl mercaptan were also observed for chew A and tooth brushing but these were not statistically significant. When compared to no intervention, all interventions significantly reduced the total bacterial load and VSC producing bacterial load in plaque (p < 0.001). For tongue samples, only chew B significantly reduced the total bacterial load and VSC-producing bacterial load (p < 0.001) compared to no intervention.
Conclusions:
By inducing oral malodour and subsequently applying the one-time interventions, significant reductions in the levels of VSCs were observed. The use of oral care chews texturally designed to deliver a deep, all-round cleaning action can be particularly effective at managing oral malodour in dogs, likely through an enhanced ability to remove bacteria.
... 258,260 The benefits of dietary texture on oral health are more commonly recognized among animal studies. 23,261,262 Wild animals have an oral health status superior to that of animals living in captivity because of the absence of masticatory challenge among foods given to domestic and captive animals. 23,261,[263][264][265] Interestingly, periodontal disease among captive animals was reversed when their diets were increased in texture to provide masticatory challenge to dentogingival surfaces and alleviate plaque formation. ...
... 23,261,262 Wild animals have an oral health status superior to that of animals living in captivity because of the absence of masticatory challenge among foods given to domestic and captive animals. 23,261,[263][264][265] Interestingly, periodontal disease among captive animals was reversed when their diets were increased in texture to provide masticatory challenge to dentogingival surfaces and alleviate plaque formation. 264,265 A novel role for dietary texture/hardness in periodontal immunity was recently demonstrated by Dutzan et al. 53 Mice consuming soft or hard diets demonstrated differential immune responses in gingival tissues: interleukin-17-producing T cells accumulated (in an interleukin-6-dependent manner) in periodontal tissue of mice fed a hard diet. ...
States of oral health and disease reflect the compositional and functional capacities of, as well as the interspecies interactions within, the oral microbiota. The oral cavity exists as a highly dynamic microbial environment that harbors many distinct substrata and microenvironments that house diverse microbial communities. Specific to the oral cavity, the nonshedding dental surfaces facilitate the development of highly complex polymicrobial biofilm communities, characterized not only by the distinct microbes comprising them, but cumulatively by their activities. Adding to this complexity, the oral cavity faces near‐constant environmental challenges, including those from host diet, salivary flow, masticatory forces, and introduction of exogenous microbes. The composition of the oral microbiome is shaped throughout life by factors including host genetics, maternal transmission, as well as environmental factors, such as dietary habits, oral hygiene practice, medications, and systemic factors. This dynamic ecosystem presents opportunities for oral microbial dysbiosis and the development of dental and periodontal diseases. The application of both in vitro and culture‐independent approaches has broadened the mechanistic understandings of complex polymicrobial communities within the oral cavity, as well as the environmental, local, and systemic underpinnings that influence the dynamics of the oral microbiome. Here, we review the present knowledge and current understanding of microbial communities within the oral cavity and the influences and challenges upon this system that encourage homeostasis or provoke microbiome perturbation, and thus contribute to states of oral health or disease.
... Dietary treats or chew products either with or without chemical additives to enhance their efficacy have been developed. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The severity of the disease varies between different breeds with small dogs and toy breeds being particularly susceptible. 7,18,19 Owners of small and toy breeds are often the ones who encounter the greatest difficulty with brushing compliance. ...
... The beneficial effects of a dental chew have been reported in a considerable number of studies most of them conducted with medium to large breed dogs. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] There are limited publications showing the efficacy of a dental chew for small breed dogs. 14,16 A dental chew tested in 2 different studies showed no Table 3. Dental chew effect after 4 and 9 weeks of daily administration compared to control (no dental chew administered). ...
The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of a dental chew with mechanical and chemical properties in 2 toy dog breeds. Eight Yorkshire terriers and 9 Chihuahuas participated in a crossover design trial. Gingivitis, dental plaque, calculus, and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the breath were assessed after 4 weeks and 9 weeks, respectively. When dogs were fed 1 dental chew per day they had significantly reduced gingivitis (−20%, P < .001), accumulation of plaque (−15%, P < .001), calculus (−35%, P = .001), and VSC concentration (−19%, P < .001) compared to when receiving no chew. A significant breed effect was observed on all the average dental indices and VSC concentration.
... Prevention of periodontal disease is undoubtedly better than the necessity for treatment. Strategies including tooth brushing and the use of regular oral care chews aim to maintain a healthy homeostasis through restricting dental plaque (and calculus) growth to low levels Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013;Harvey et al., 2015). It is not known whether the efficacy of oral care chews includes an influence on the microbial population in addition to mechanical removal effects. ...
... Investigations into the efficacy of canine dental chews have classically focused on clinical plaque and calculus indices Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013). The relationship of both of these factors to the development of periodontal disease is understood and a particular product's potential to reduce either or both supports prevention. ...
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of daily feeding of an oral care chew on the composition of canine supragingival plaque microbiota. Twelve beagle dogs were recruited to a randomized cross-over study. The dogs were fed one of two dietary regimes, both consisting of a commercially available wet and dry diet mix either with or without daily supplementation with an oral care chew. After each 28-day test phase, supragingival plaque samples were collected and processed via Illumina sequencing to determine the microbiota composition. A comparative analysis of bacterial species associated with health and periodontal disease, identified from prior clinical studies, revealed differences between the dietary regimes. Consumption of the daily oral care chew, resulted in a significant increase in proportion of 6 health associated taxa but only 3 disease associated taxa compared to no chew. In contrast, 8 disease and 1 health associated taxa showed increased proportions for no chew versus the oral care chew.
Daily feeding of the oral care chew tested in this study has been shown to increase the proportion of health associated bacteria, over bacteria associated with periodontal disease, in supragingival plaque compared to no chew. By influencing plaque microbiota towards a bias for health associated bacteria, feeding of the oral care chew provides a means to reduce the prevalence of bacterial species shown to be associated with periodontal disease in dogs.
... Low levels of owner compliance or non-acceptance by dogs leads to low levels of interventions in the pet population [17,18]. Useful additions to tooth brushing include dental chews, dental diets, and chew toys [17][18][19]. Trials investigating the use of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics (collectively "biotics") in periodontal disease have recently gained interest as non-invasive methods of influencing oral health. Whilst the concept of probiotics and prebiotics is widely understood as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit, and a nonviable food component that confers a health benefit associated with microbiota modulation, respectively, the notion of postbiotics is more recent. ...
Simple Summary
Maintaining good oral health is important to the wellbeing of dogs. Build-up of dental plaque is associated with poor oral health and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Toothbrushing is one of the most effective ways of controlling dental plaque, but regular toothbrushing can be challenging to implement. Postbiotics have the potential to reduce plaque build-up without toothbrushing but are under-researched in dogs. The aim of the present study was to use preclinical screening to identify a candidate postbiotic to reduce plaque build-up in dogs, and to test this postbiotic in a clinical study. The novel postbiotic heat-treated (HT) Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 was identified in the preclinical pipeline for its ability to reduce the growth of oral bacteria and was taken forward to a clinical study in dogs. In the clinical study, the high-dose postbiotic was shown to reduce plaque build-up by over 10% in dogs when applied once daily on kibble, and the low-dose postbiotic was associated with a non-significant tendency towards a 17% reduction in plaque formation. The postbiotic was also associated with changes in the oral microbiome that might be beneficial to health. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence that the novel postbiotic HT Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9161 may support oral health in dogs by reducing plaque formation when applied on kibble.
... 4 Studies have shown that dental chews can reduce the progression of plaque, calculus, and halitosis when administered daily as a supplement to dry food, compared to control dogs (n = 60) fed dry food only. Both test and control groups developed plaque over the 28-day testing period, with test dogs accumulating 32% less plaque than control dogs (54). ...
Dogs chew on both nutritive and non-nutritive items as part of their food acquisition, ingestive behaviour, self-care, and social interactions. Various definitions distinguish chewing from related oral activities, such as gnawing, masticating, and biting. Surprisingly, despite chewing being a ubiquitous behaviour in dogs, its relevance to a dog’s comfort, health, and purpose remains unclear. Additionally, the risk of dental fractures or other injuries may lead veterinarians to advise against feeding bones to dogs. This article explores the literature on chewing in dogs through the ethological framework of “Tinbergen’s Four Questions” and the Five Domains framework for animal welfare assessment. Evidence is gathered from wild and domestic canids and from human and animal models where shared physiological or biological processes provide insight. Chewing appears to promote biological fitness, providing benefits such as dental and oral hygiene, digestive health, bone strength, psychological health, and stress management. Furthermore, this article discusses the evolutionary importance of chewing, the mechanisms underlying bite force, chew rate and morphology, and the development of chewing throughout a dog’s life, from primary teeth eruption to senescence. Application of the Five Domains framework for animal welfare helps assess the impact of chewing, or lack thereof, on a dog’s welfare. A dog’s preference for chew items is primarily driven by odour, taste, and mouthfeel. Macronutrient proportions may also play a role in food preferences, which, in turn, can affect the selection of chewable items. A lack of preferred chew items may result in redirected chewing toward less appropriate items, such as non-food chews that could be harmful to dentition or the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Chewing on such inappropriate items may also lead to the adoption of alternative oral behaviours or reduced their contentment by impeding telos. Overall, chewing positively impacts a dog’s physical and psychological health, contributing to its welfare and appearing essential as a regular part of a dog’s daily life. However, the significant benefits of chewing must be carefully weighed against potential risks.
... Pet food is a collection of many inputs from many sources with one output, which goes into the home to be fed to the pet cat or dog (Thompson, 2008).The pet food industry traditionally has utilized a wide range of protein sources including meat and bone meals, poultry meals and poultry by-products meals (Fahey, 2004).Feeding pets or giving them treats is a key moment which strengthens the bond between the owners and their animals. Pet treats often include ears, snouts, leg bones, intestine, trotters, bull penises and other by-products.The Indian pet food market is projected to register a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% during the forecast period i.e., 2021-2026(Mordor Intelligence, 2021.Dental and joint treats are commonly sold functional treats.Daily consumption of specific dental chews by dogs can help reduce plaque and/or calculus accumulation (Quest, 2013).Dried pig ears as pet chews unlike bone and other tissue chews, are easy to digest. Ear cartilage serves as an excellent source of chondroitin sulphate which strengthen the bones in pet animals. ...
Pig slaughter is mainly done in India for its meat and offal's, along with them, other edible by-products like ears, feet, lard, blood, bones etc are also obtained which has a great potential to utilise in the preparation of pet foods in traditional methods. The present work was designed in order to utilize the pig ear lobes as dried pet chews by using traditional methods like solar drying method which serves as cost effective method for preparation of feed stuff for pet animals. Solar drying method was initially standardised by drying the pig ear lobes in solar dryer at different time intervals of (T1-3day solar drying, T2-4day solar drying, T3-5 day solar drying) along with control which was dried under sun (37oC ± 1o C) for one day and their quality was analysed. The results revealed significant (P<0.05) differences for treatment samples when compared to control sample for all the parameters studied, except for crude protein, cohesiveness and overall acceptability which was insignificant. Texture profile analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) differences among all the samples for hardness, springiness, chewiness. However, sensory evaluation results revealed high scores for the sample which was solar dried for 4 days (T2) when compared with the other treatments.
... Pet food is a collection of many inputs from many sources with one output, which goes into the home to be fed to the pet cat or dog (Thompson, 2008).The pet food industry traditionally has utilized a wide range of protein sources including meat and bone meals, poultry meals and poultry by-products meals (Fahey, 2004).Feeding pets or giving them treats is a key moment which strengthens the bond between the owners and their animals. Pet treats often include ears, snouts, leg bones, intestine, trotters, bull penises and other by-products.The Indian pet food market is projected to register a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% during the forecast period i.e., 2021-2026(Mordor Intelligence, 2021.Dental and joint treats are commonly sold functional treats.Daily consumption of specific dental chews by dogs can help reduce plaque and/or calculus accumulation (Quest, 2013).Dried pig ears as pet chews unlike bone and other tissue chews, are easy to digest. Ear cartilage serves as an excellent source of chondroitin sulphate which strengthen the bones in pet animals. ...
... The best method of preventing plaque buildup is likely brushing the teeth at home, but it has to be performed according to certain recommendations to be successful [2,8,21]. According to Harvey et al. [7] and Quest [23], dental diet supplements, chews, gels, water additives, mouth rinses such as chlorhexidine, and chew toys can also be beneficial. When the condition has progressed to a late stage, the extraction of the tooth remains the best option [24]. ...
Simple Summary
In dogs, periodontal disease (PD) is a highly common condition whose prevalence rises significantly with age. The objective of this research was to assess the main indicators of oxidative stress detected in the saliva of dogs and to compare them to the degree of inflammation and tartar amount on their teeth and gums. The appearance of specific forms of periodontal disease has been confirmed by an increase in the saliva concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8), a marker commonly used in humans in the diagnosis of these pathologies. Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity cause oxidative stress, demonstrated by the evaluation of different indicators in the saliva: an increase in the general antioxidant status, which was associated with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; an intensification of the lipid peroxidation processes; and an increase in the DNA oxidation processes.
Abstract
In dogs, periodontal disease (PD) is a highly common condition whose prevalence rises significantly with age. Studies on rats with experimentally induced PD and human clinical trials have found an association between oxidative stress (OS) and PD, as has been observed in many other inflammatory disorders. The objective of this research was to assess the main indicators of oxidative stress detected in the saliva of dogs and to compare them to the degree of inflammation and tartar amount on their teeth and gums. By identifying these correlations, we intended to identify early-stage PD markers that would allow us to diagnose the condition in dogs without requiring for invasive or traumatic procedures. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8OHG), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8), and the quantity of total proteins are the markers that have been investigated in order to accomplish these objectives. The appearance of specific forms of periodontal disease has been confirmed by an increase in the saliva concentration of MMP8, a marker commonly used in the diagnosis of these pathologies in humans. The study was carried out on 22 dogs divided in a control group (C) and study groups (S), the second one being divided into three subgroups according to the severity of the gum inflammation and the presence or absence of tartar: S1—small accumulation of tartar, lack of infection-related signs; S2—moderate accumulation of tartar, gums swollen, red, and bled easily; S3—significant accumulation of tartar; gums bright red and bleeding; marked pain and halitosis. A correlation between the concentration of the tested parameters and the severity of the local appearance of the gum and teeth was noted. In comparison to the results of individuals from the control group, MMP8 reported increases of 1.2, 2, and 3.7 times, respectively, in the case of individuals from subgroups S1, S2, and S3. Oxidative stress is caused by inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The presence of oxidative stress was demonstrated by the evaluation of different indicators in the saliva: an increase in the general antioxidant status, which was associated with an increase in SOD activity; intensification of the lipid peroxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the MDA peroxidation product; and an increase in the DNA oxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the oxidation product 8OHdG. In consequence, it was observed that there were up to 2-fold increases in protein levels, total antioxidant activity, SOD, and MDA, and up to 8.6-fold increases in the case of 8-OHdG when comparing dogs from the S3 group (significant tartar accumulation; bright red and bleeding gums; marked pain and halitosis) to those in the control group.
... Penggunaan bahan kunyahan gigi untuk mengurangi kalkulus gigi adalah praktik yang sangat umum. Anjing yang menerima bahan kunyahan gigi setiap harinya mengalami penurunan yang nyata dalam akumulasi plak dan kalkulus, di samping bau mulut yang berkurang (Quest 2013). Studi lain yang dilakukan oleh Hennet et al. (2006) melaporkan bahwa penggunaan bahan kunyahan gigi membuat kebersihan mulut membaik, karena setiap hari mengurangi 17,3% deposisi plak dan 45,8% akumulasi kalkulus pada anjing (Hennet el al., 2006) Tulang mentah adalah komponen dari pakan karnivora liar, seperti halnya laporan tentang serigala yang menunjukkan bahwa mereka memiliki sedikit kalkulus gigi karena biasa memakan tulang hewan buruannya (Shelbourne 2010). ...
Anjing kasus merupakan anjing peranakan kintamani bernama Zazu berumur empat tahun dan terdapat kalkulus pada gigi ta ring, premolar, dan molar rahang atas dan bawah. Kalkulus pada gigi umumnya disebabkan oleh sisa-sisa pakan yang sifatnya lunak. Kesehatan gigi dan mulut perlu mendapatkan perhatian karena tingginya insidensi penyakit akibat kalkulus pada gigi. Keberadaan kalkulus pada gigi dapat menyebabkan lesi pada gusi yang bisa menyebabkan kesulitan dalam mengoyak pakan sehingga nafsu makannya berkurang. Berbagai cara dapat diterapkan dalam menangani kalkulus pada gigi hewan antara lain dengan cara konvensional berupa pemberian bahan yang bisa dikunyah guna menggerus kalkulus. Laporan kasus ini bertujuan mengungkapkan upaya mengurangi kalkulus pada gigi dengan memberikan kunyahan gigi berupa tulang sapi bali segar. Dalam kasus ini, anjing yang mengalami kalkulus pada gigi diberikan bahan kunyahan gigi berupa tulang sapi bali segar. Tulang sapi bali yang diberikan adalah tulang paha. Tulang sapi bali segar diberikan setiap hari selama 14 hari dengan bobot sekitar 30 g. Guna mendapatkan bobot tulang sapi tersebut, tulang paha sapi dipotong secara melintang menggunakan gergaji. Tulang yang dipotong adalah pada bagian epifisis yakni pada tulang yang memiliki tampilan seperti spons, sedangkan bagian diafisisnya yang terdiri atas tulang masif tidak digunakan. Jika dalam satu hari, tulang yang diberikan tidak habis dikunyah, tulang sisa tersebut diambil dan diganti dengan ulang yang baru. Untuk menjaga kesegarannya, tulang-tulang yang telah dipotong tersebut disimpan dalam lemari es dengan suhu 4ºC. Peunah yang diamati setiap hari adalah pengurangan kalkulus yang terjadi pada gigi taring, premolar dan molar. . Perubahan yang dinilai secara kualitatif itu dicatat dalam bentuk gambar (difoto) sehingga setiap hari bisa dibandinhgkan. Evaluasi dari hasil pemberian tulang sapi bali segar selama 14 hari menunjukkan hasil yang baik dengan berkurangnya secara nyata kalkulus pada gigi taring, premolar dan molar anjing peranakan kintamani. Disimpulkan bahwa pemberian kunyahan tulang sapi bali segar dapat mengurangi kalkulus gigi anjing.
... A well-balanced food for pets serves as an excellent medium for its health and growth. Daily consumption of specific dental chews by dogs can help reduce plaque and/or calculus accumulation (Quest, 2013). Dried pig ears as pet chews unlike bone and other tissue chews, are easy to digest. ...
The slaughter of pig is mainly done for its meat and offal’s, along with there is generation of other by-products like ears, feet, lard, blood, bones etc. The present work was designed in order to utilize the pig ear lobes as dried pet chews by using sun drying method which serves as feed stuff for pet animals. In sun drying method the results revealed significant (P<0.05) differences for treatment samples when compared to control sample for all the parameters studied, except for crude protein, ether extract and overall acceptability which was insignificant. Texture profile analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) differences among all the samples for hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness. However, sensory evaluation results revealed high scores for the sample which was sun dried for 4 days (T5) when compared with the other treatments.
... A well-balanced food for pets serves as an excellent medium for its health and growth. Daily consumption of specific dental chews by dogs can help reduce plaque and/or calculus accumulation (Quest, 2013). Dried pig ears as pet chews unlike bone and other tissue chews, are easy to digest. ...
The slaughter of pig is mainly done for its meat and offal's, along with there is generation of other by-products like ears, feet, lard, blood, bones etc. There utilisation using traditional processing techniques can serve as a profitable enterprise for rural farmers. The present work was designed in order to utilize the pig ear lobes as dried pet chews by using traditional sun drying method which serves as feed stuff for pet animals. The pig ears were collected hygienically after slaughter and were then scalded, singed, scraped and then cooked in the presence of 10% Nacl for 1hour. Sun drying method was standardised at different days interval (T1-3 day sun drying, T2-4 day sun drying, T3-5 day sun drying) along with control which was dried in the sun ((37 o C ± 1 o C) for one day. In sun drying method the results revealed significantly (P<0.05) decreased values for treatment samples when compared to control sample for all the parameters studied such as cooking yield, pH, moisture content and water activity as except for crude protein, ether extract and overall acceptability which was insignificant as the duration of drying progressed. Microbial quality analysis revealed satisfactory scores for the parameters studied such as total plate count, yeast and moulds and no coliforms were detected in all the treatments. Texture profile analysis recorded desirable scores and differed significantly (P<0.05) among all the samples for hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness. However, sensory evaluation results revealed high scores for the sample which was sun dried for 4 days (T2) when compared with the other treatments. Sun drying for 4 days of pig ear lobes was found to be the best when compared with other sun drying conditions for preparation of pet chews and these are made easily and can last longer. Hence, it was concluded that the present work can be a good source of income for the pork processors mainly in the rural areas who can easily adapt this work as a small scale enterprise.
... A mature dog has 42 teeth which erupt completely within 7 months. A dog has 3 premolars in each quadrant [29]. The first premolar teeth of dogs have one canal, and their second and third premolars have two canals each. ...
Objectives: This preliminary animal study was conducted to assess the effects of chitosan as a novel obturation material for pulpectomized teeth on periapical inflammation, periodontal ligament (PDL) widening, and hard tissue resorption. Materials and Methods: Forty premolar root canals in two mature dogs were obturated with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and an experimental 3% chitosan paste (n=20 in each group). The teeth were then restored with amalgam. After 28 days, the dogs were sacrificed, and histopathological assessment was performed. The amount of resorbed obturation material, degree of inflammatory response, degree of PDL widening, and the number of bone/cementum/dentin resorption defects were recorded under ×40 and ×200 magnifications. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, one-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Fisher’s exact test (α=0.05). Results: Bone, cementum, and dentin resorption were seen in 6, 10, and 1 chitosan-obturated canals and 14, 15, and 0 ZOE-obturated canals, respectively. Only the bone resorption defects were significantly fewer in the chitosan group (P=0.026). Mild, moderate, and severe inflammation were observed in 17, 3, and 0 chitosan-obturated canals, and 7, 9, and 4 ZOE-filled canals, respectively (P=0.004). Mild, moderate, and severe PDL widening were seen around 15, 5, and 0 chitosan-filled canals and 7, 12, and 1 ZOE-filled canals, respectively (P=0.025). Conclusion: The 3% chitosan was superior to ZOE in terms of causing less inflammation and PDL widening. It also decreased bone resorption and acted similar to ZOE in terms of dentin and cementum resorption.
... 5 The daily addition of dental chews and treats was proven to reduce plaque and calculus accumulation as well as gingivitis and halitosis. [6][7][8][9][10] Even among the available products that have been awarded the VOHC seal, there are differences in palatability, prescriptions, and effectiveness. A growing number of food allergies and/or intolerances increases the need for developing products which will carry lower risk of such side effects. ...
Giving dental chews to dogs is part of the passive homecare that helps prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. The objectives of these studies were to assess the effectiveness of a vegetable-based dental chew (VF) to maintain oral health, and to compare it to 2 different reference chews (RC) with a proven effectiveness. The first study was conducted on 45 small dogs (<10 kg) and the second on 60 larger dogs (15-30 kg) who were randomly assigned to 3 different groups. During 30 days, one group received no chew (control) while the second and third group received either one RC (RC1 or RC2) or one VF per day. All dogs had their teeth scaled on Day 0. On Day 30, scores were given for plaque and calculus. Gingival parameters were also assessed. Statistical analysis (analysis of variance and Tukey tests ± Bonferroni's adjustment) were performed to compare groups with α set at .05 for significance.
The 3 types of chews were found to be efficacious to reduce plaque and calculus formation and the gingival bleeding compared to control ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between RCs and VF in both trials except for the gingival bleeding parameters which showed a greater improvement with VF. Therefore, daily administration of the VF is effective to reduce plaque and calculus formation and gingival bleeding and has a better efficacy on gingival bleeding than the other reference products tested. It can therefore be used with confidence at home for preventative dental care.
... There is a multitude of literature devoted to these topics, but they fell into several categories that are worth mentioning briefly. A bulk of the literature is associated with common household pets such as dogs (Carroll et al., 2020;Clarke et al., 2011;Quest, 2013) and cats (Bellows et al., 2012;Scherl et al., 2019) and the effort to combat plaque buildup through treats and chew toy interventions. Other common wild and domesticated animals that have been studied for oral pathologies and calculus deposition include horses (Earley and Rawlinson, 2013), camels (Eze et al., 2012), pandas (Jin et al., 2012), brown bears (Wenker et al., 1998), dolphins (Loch et al., 2011) and captive big cats (Kapoor et al., 2016). ...
The field of dental calculus research has exploded in recent years, predominantly due to the multitude of studies related to human genomes and oral pathogens. Despite having a subset of these studies devoted to non-human primates, little progress has been made in the distribution of oral pathogens across domestic and wild animal populations. This overlooked avenue of research is particularly important at present when many animal populations with the potentiality for zoonotic transmission continue to reside in close proximity to human groups due to reasons such as deforestation and climatic impacts on resource availability. Here, we analyze previously all available published oral microbiome data recovered from the skeletal remains of animals, all of which belong to the Mammalia class. Our genus level results emphasize the tremendous diversity of oral ecologies across mammals in spite of the clustering based primarily on host species. We also discuss the caveats and flaws in analyzing ancient animal oral microbiomes at the species level of classification. Lastly, we assess the benefits, challenges, and gaps in the current knowledge of dental calculus research within animals and postulate the future of the field as a whole.
... Experimental design. The experimental design was a completely randomized, consisting of 2 treatments, with 3 males and 3 female in each group, resulting in 6 replicates, as recommended supplementation with bones and dental chews has been shown to be efficient to remove supragingival plaque and dental calculus in dogs (MARx et al., 2016;QUEST, 2013). However, mechanical removal does not seem to occur in the subgingival area, where plaque-associated microorganisms, especially bacteria, degrade support structures such as the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. ...
The presence of dental calculus is one of the main issues associated with periodontitis in dogs. Mechanical removal of plaque and dental calculus can be performed through periodic oral prophylaxis conducted by veterinary dentists, and by continuous chewing of various items. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of bones as dental calculus agent removal in adult dogs. However, their effect regarding removal of oral microbiota remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of autoclaved spongy bone (SB) or compact bone (CB) supplementation on the oral microbiota of adult dogs with pre-existing dental calculus. The V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene was used for Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing. Transition was observed on the phyla proportion of the SB group, where the saliva sample initially presented a predominance of Bacteroidetes (51.3%) and Proteobacteria (33.0%), and changed to Proteobacteria (52.4%) and Bacteroidetes (33.9%). The gingival sulcus changed from Bacteroidetes (66.7%) and Proteobacteria (17.5%) prior to SB supplementation to Proteobacteria (76.3%) and Bacteroidetes (18.5%). No changes were observed in the proportion of saliva and gingival sulcus phyla in group CB. Moraxella sp. and Bergeyella zoohelcum increased in both saliva and gingival sulcus after SB supplementation. Saliva and gingival sulcus in the CB group showed increases in Porphyromonas species after 13 days’ supplementation. This study showed that chewing SB had a profound impact on both saliva and gingival sulcus microbiota, while CB did not cause substantial changes in the microbiota in either environment.
... Currently, chewing materials are mainly recommended to improve oral health, as food texture is considered to have an influence (Logan, 2006). A range of chewing materials have been shown to be beneficial: several raw hide products (Lage et al., 1990;Stookey, 2009), chew sticks (Gorrel et al., 1999;Hennet et al., 2006;Quest, 2013;Jeusette et al., 2016) and raw beef bones (Marx et al., 2016) reduced plaque and calculus. Therefore the AAHA dental care guidelines recommend dental chews for home dental care (Holmstrom et al., 2013). ...
Chewing is a behavioural element of feeding, but dogs also chew on or dissect non-edible items. This can cause considerable problems to owners if directed at household objects. Nevertheless, the provision of chewing material, associated risks and relationships with chewing behaviour and other owner-dog activities have not been investigated so far. The aim of this online survey was to explore how dog owners manage the chewing behaviour of their dog and whether there are relationships to other owner-dog interactions. Of our self-selected participants (1439 filled in the entire questionnaire), 94% provided their dogs with edible chewing material (e.g., rawhide, dried innards, meat), 83% provided inedible chew toys, 73% provided chew toys filled with food and 51% provided hard chewing material (e.g. wood, antlers). Edible materials were provided four to six times a week by the average dog owner. Regarding risks, 67% of respondents stated that their dog never had a problem caused by the use of chewing material, whereas veterinary treatment due to a problem with chewing material was reported by 3.6%. Chewing daily on soft household objects was observed in 2.5% of dogs (other common objects for daily chewing: resting places 2.2 %, clothes/shoes 1.4%); dogs up to one year of age did this more frequently (p < 0.001). Chewing on objects was not substantially related to reported motivation of the dog to play or the frequency of activities with the dog (all rs < 0.2), but was reported to occur in contexts that may cause negative emotional states such as leaving the dog alone (rs = 0.63, p < 0.001) or changes in routine activities (rs = 0.47, p < 0.001). The average reported frequency of provision of chewing material correlated positively (rs ≥ 0.2) with motivation of the dog to play, chewing on objects, human-dog play and calm activities such as petting. Dog owners think that chewing material is important for puppies and even more for adult dogs (p < 0.001). However, it remains to be investigated how motivated dogs are for chewing on different types of materials and whether chewing, as proposed by dog professionals, reduces stress. This seems particularly important for assessing the trade-off between risks and benefits of different chewing materials and its impact on dog welfare.
... 6,11,24 Offering snacks and chewable toys to dogs is a viable alternative for owners who want to perform oral prophylaxis on their pets (homecare) as these can have pleasant tastes and odors, promoting easy acceptance. 25 However, antiseptic agents should be used regularly in order to optimize dental plaque control. Thus, the development of an alternative pharmaceutical dosage form for application in the oral cavity of dogs that remains in contact with the application site for a longer period is highly desirable. ...
Herbal therapies are used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including dental conditions in veterinary medicine. In this context, the use of medicinal plant-based formulations as potential therapeutics and preventatives in veterinary dentistry is worth highlighting. The objective of the present study was to develop a mucoadhesive ointment formulation, named orabase, that contained pomegranate extract for use in the oral cavity of dogs, with the aim of improving their oral hygiene. The hydroalcoholic extracts of pomegranate peels was incorporated into the orabase in 3 different concentrations. The formulations were subjected to in vitro microbiological testing by a modified disc-diffusion method to study the susceptibility of microorganisms collected from the oral cavities of the dogs. The samples were taken from the buccal mucosa of dogs having the same management and diet. The most effective formulation was submitted to physicochemical tests to evaluate the functionality of the product, namely pH, swelling index, spreadability, and mechanical properties (hardness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness). The formulation containing 25.0% w/w of the extract was considered most suitable for the intended use as it showed antiseptic activity and demonstrated a swelling index of approximately 35% in the first 20 minutes of the test, high spreadability, and suitable mechanical properties. The results suggest that the product obtained from pomegranate peel extract is a viable option for use to improve oral hygiene, helping to reduce the bacterial component of dental plaque in dogs.
... There are a number of potentially useful adjuncts to tooth brushing such as dental diets and chews, oral rinses (e.g. chlorhexidine), water additives and gels (Harvey 2005, Quest 2013). Appropriate chew toys may also help impede plaque and calculus accumulation (Harvey et al. 1996). ...
Periodontal disease is a frequent problem seen in veterinary practices. Primary-care veterinary practices, where diagnosis of periodontal disease is predominantly based on visual oral assessment of conscious dogs, report an average prevalence of 9.3 to 18.2% within the dog population. Detailed examinations of anaesthetised dogs report much higher prevalence of between 44 and 100%. The prevalence and severity of periodontitis varies between sizes of dogs, breeds and individuals. The lack of robust evaluation of these variances opens the opportunity for a review of the topic. A literature search was therefore undertaken to determine the frequency and extent (severity and oral location) of periodontal disease in the dog population. Both clinical and retrospective data based surveys of veterinary records, show there is an increased likelihood of developing periodontitis as age increases and with bodyweight decreases. The maxillary and mandibular incisors, fourth premolars and first molars are likely to develop the disease first although in some breeds the canines may also be involved. Poor oral care is a significant risk factor for the development of periodontal disease although diet, behaviour, environment and genetics are also likely to play a role. The information provided in this review can be used by veterinarians to improve the effectiveness of their diagnosis, treatments and interventions by focussing their efforts on the sizes, breeds and individuals most at risk. Given the potential link between periodontal disease and systemic health, veterinarians have the opportunity to positively impact the quality of life of a large number of dogs and therefore their owners.
... chlorhexidine gluconate), dietary manipulation (special diet and chew toys) and regular professional periodontal therapy (Niemiec, 2008). Dental chew reduces in plaque, calculus accumulation and oral malodor significantly while improving gingival indices (Quest, 2013). 2. Antimicrobials used to suppress subgingival plaque accumulation should be effective against gram-positive aerobes, as well as gram-negative anaerobes, which are the initiators of gingival inflammation and destruction (Harvey and Emily 1993;Harvey, 1995;Marcello et al., 2011). ...
... Not only has it been shown that dental diet significantly decreases dental calculus, but the use of masticatory items has also been shown to be an effective oral hygiene tool as it helps in the removal of dental plaque and calculus. Quest [36] found that plaque, calculus, and halitosis were reduced in dogs provided one dental chew daily for 28 days. Stookey [17] reported that the use of a soft rawhide chew item for 4 weeks in Beagle dogs reduced calculus by 28.2%; plaques, by 18.5%; and gingivitis, by 45.7%, compared to that in the control group. ...
Dental calculus (DC) is the most widespread oral problem in domestic dogs. Chewing items are used to remove DC from the tooth surface; they also favor oral health and animal welfare. Raw beef bone mastication also shortly reduces DC in adult dogs. However, it can cause oral lesions and hence is not popular. This study evaluated the impact of bone mastication on the dental roots, enamel, and gingiva of dogs. Twelve adult Beagle dogs were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups in a completely randomized block design: cortical bone (CB) or spongy bone (SB). Intraoral radiographs were obtained on days 0 and 14, and calculus assessment was performed using images captured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14; an integration program was used to measure the proportion between the area covered by calculus and the total area of teeth. DC was completely removed from the first and second premolars and molars from both the arcades in less than 3 days of supplementation, indicating that these teeth were frequently used for chewing (P < 0.10). Bones were highly effective for DC removal and gingival inflammation reduction. Despite the hardness of bones, no lesions or teeth root and enamel fracture, or esophageal or intestinal obstructions—complications related to bone ingestion—were noted. However, SB showed some gingival lesions (n = 4) and bone remnants between teeth (n = 2). Gingival lesions were caused by the daily and continuous supply of new pieces of bone for 13 days. Specific pieces of bone should be used for oral home care programs because they shortly remove almost 90% of DC, allowing longer intervals between periodontal cleaning procedures. Long-term studies are required to evaluate the use of bones and evaluate their impact on teeth and periodontium after prolonged supplementation.
... However, as a matter of fact, daily tooth brushing, which is considered the most reliable approach to remove plaque and in turn reduce the onset of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral malodor, 5 is accomplished only by approximately 2% of pet owners. 6 Many effective aids have been proposed and commercialized to counteract halitosis and dental plaque formation such as chews, 7 treats, 8 drink solutions, 9 and topical gels. 10 However, a dietary approach to fulfil both daily nutritional requirements and improve halitosis could represent an innovative solution for "lazy" but careful pet owners. ...
Halitosis represents a cause of social problems despite of the availability of commercial aids to counteract it. A dietary approach represents an innovative solution. The aim of this clinical evaluation was to assess the efficacy of a commercially available nutraceutical diet in a cohort of dogs suffering from chronic halitosis and manifesting at least one symptom among drooling, gingivitis, ulcers, stomatitis, laryngitis, tartar, dental caries, abscess, lingual lesions. Dogs were fed the nutraceutical diet over a period of 30 days, receiving a veterinary inspection before and at the end of the evaluation. Most of symptoms resulted in significant improvement at the end of the evaluation period. We hypothesize that halitosis may be a consequence of a daily intake of food contaminated with oxytetracycline.
... 18 A number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of raw beef bones, oxtails, 27,28 and rawhide chews 29 for the reduction of calculus deposits on dogs' teeth. There has also been a strong emphasis on the development of tailored products, including specially textured diets, 30 diets that contain chemical chelating agents and antimicrobials, 31-34 dental chews and biscuits either with or without chemical additives to enhance their efficacy, 29,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] and water-containing functional ingredients. 43 The accurate evaluation of the quantity of plaque and calculus on dogs' teeth is therefore essential to enable product efficacy to be measured. ...
Periodontal disease is a common disease of dogs and is initiated by the buildup of plaque on the tooth surface. As plaque matures, it becomes mineralized to form calculus, which although not directly involved in the etiology of periodontal disease, provides an irregular surface to which plaque can adhere. Evaluation of the quantity of plaque and calculus on dogs’ teeth is therefore essential to enable the efficacy of products, designed to prevent or retard plaque and calculus accumulation, to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine whether quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLFTM) is a suitable tool to quantify the amount of calculus on the buccal surface of dogs’ teeth following the removal of disclosed plaque by tooth brushing. The amount of calculus on the teeth of 26 miniature schnauzers was measured, using QLF and a calculus index method (Warrick-Gorrel), during a 28-day phase crossover study comparing feeding a daily dental chew versus providing no daily chew. Quantification of calculus using the Warrick-Gorrel method showed a 43.8% reduction in calculus buildup, with 95% confidence interval of 27.3 to 60.3 (P < .001). With QLF, the percentage reduction in calculus accumulation was 65.8% (58.1-73.4, P < .001). A retrospective sample size analysis showed that fewer dogs were required for QLF analysis compared to the Warrick-Gorrel method. This study demonstrated that QLF is a sensitive and precise method for quantification of calculus on dogs’ teeth. It removes the subjective element of human examiners and has greater accuracy and reduced variability through the continuous nature of the data.
... Beslenme sonrası ağız bakımını sağlayacak uygulamaların yapılmaması periodontal bozukluk riskini artırır. Bazı bakteriler direk veya indirek olarak periodontal hastalıkların etiyolojisinde rol oynar [1,12,13] . Çalışmadaki hasta köpeklerin orta yaşlı ve yaşlı katagorisinden ve küçükorta boyutlu ırktan olması, beslenmeler sonrası ağız bakımı uygulanmaması yukarıda belirtilen klasik literatür bulgularıyla uyumludur. ...
In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the patient’s systemic inflammatory condition, by estimating CRP, albumin, total protein values and CBC. These results were compared with inflammatory condition of the gums. In this study, a total of 20 dogs, including 10 dogs with gingivitis, and 10 healthy dogs, were used. Diagnosis was established based on the clinical findings (dental plaque, redness and edema in the gum). In history, the owners was asked if any oral care application was performed after each meal (drinking water, brushing dog’s teeth, eating dental care food or giving chewing material), and if there is any mouth-related complaints (chewing difficulty, excessive saliva flow and halitosis). On physical examination; body temperature, pulse, and respiration rates were detected, submandibular lymph node was examined. From each patient and healthy dog, 5 mL blood to the tubes without coagulant, and 2 mL blood to the tubes with EDTA were taken. CRP, albumin and total protein values, and CBC were evaluated by comparing with those in healthy ones. Based on the clinical findings, mild-to-moderate gingivitis was diagnosed in patients. It was learned that patients have difficulty in chewing hard food, have halitosis and no special oral care application was done in patients after each meal, and have dental plaques. In physical examination, all of the patients have dental plaque, gingival redness and edema and halitosis. Body temperature, respiratory and pulse rates are within normal limits. There was no adenopathy in submandibular lymph node and no problems with the gums in healthy dogs. In the dogs with mild-to-moderate gingivitis and with no submandibular lymph node growth, no statistically significant changes were found in CRP, albumin, total protein values and the CBC.
... and long-term studies (with follow-up periods ranging from 7 days to 21 months). [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] In vitro tests have revealed that a patented form of vitamin C a has growth-inhibition properties against various oral bacteria (eg, P gulae). Unpublished results of an in vivo study b involving dogs also suggest that feeding this form of vitamin C for 28 days results in a significant decrease in mean dental plaque and calculus scores and improvement in gingivitis score. ...
OBJECTIVE To determine whether consumption of a single dental treat with specific mechanical properties and active ingredients would provide a 24-hour effect on dental plaque bacteria and halitosis in dogs.
ANIMALS 10 dogs of various breeds from a privately owned colony that had received routine dental scaling and polishing 4 weeks before the study began.
PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive 1 placebo or dental treat first. A 4-week washout period was provided, and then dogs received the opposite treatment. Oral plaque and breath samples were collected before and 0.5, 3, 12, and 24 hours after treat consumption. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) concentration was measured in breath samples. Total aerobic, total anaerobic, Porphyromonas gulae, Prevotella intermedia–like, Tannerella forsythia , and Fusobacterium nucleatum bacterial counts (measured via bacterial culture) and total live bacterial counts, total live and dead bacterial counts, and bacterial vitality (measured via quantitative real-time PCR assay) were assessed in plaque samples.
RESULTS Compared with placebo treat consumption, dental treat consumption resulted in a significant decrease in breath VSCs concentration and all plaque bacterial counts, without an effect on bacterial vitality. Effects of the dental treat versus the placebo treat persisted for 12 hours for several bacterial counts and for 24 hours for breath VSCs concentration.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although clinical benefits should be investigated in larger scale, longer-term studies, results of this study suggested that feeding the evaluated dental treat may help to decrease oral bacterial growth in dogs for 12 hours and oral malodor for 24 hours. A feeding interval of 12 hours is therefore recommended.
Oral health is a strong indicator of the general overall health of dogs. Even though changes in feeding methods have improved dog health by reducing or preventing diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies and excesses, dental issues, especially periodontal disease (PD), remain among the most common oral health concerns. The study was based on a survey as well as an evaluation of the oral health of dogs that had been presented to a veterinary clinic. 130 dogs were examined for oral health, and 100 respondents (dog owners) filled the questionnaire. The time required to complete the questionnaire was approximately 4 minutes and it included simple questions so that there were no problems of misunderstanding the questions/answers. The survey consisted of a total of 7 questions, designed to cover the proposed objectives, with single or multiple answer options. The questions focused on the age of the dogs, sex, type of diet (dry, wet, mix), frequency of diet administration, use of dental rewards, dental hygiene at home, oral health problems. It was concluded that the majority of dogs over 4 years of age that were fed wet food had oral health problems (p≤0.05), and those dogs that received home dental hygiene had significantly fewer oral problems. It was also observed that oral problems in dogs fed once daily were significantly fewer than those of dogs fed twice or more times a day (p≤0.05). Although additional research is needed to understand the processes and potential benefits for dogs, dietary modifications may have an impact on the management of periodontal disease.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fuzzy chewable toothbrushes in reducing dental plaque among undergraduate students compared to traditional manual toothbrushes. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants, divided into two groups: one using manual toothbrushes and the other using fuzzy chewable toothbrushes. The study included participants aged 19 to 25 years, who had no history of periodontal disease or systemic health issues. Plaque levels were measured at four time intervals: before brushing, immediately after brushing, after 6 hours, and after 12 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA to compare plaque scores between the two groups. Results: The study found significant differences in plaque reduction between the two groups at all time points (p < 0.001). The manual toothbrush group showed a higher baseline plaque index (1.25) compared to the chewable group (0.79). After 12 hours, the manual group had a plaque index of 2.71, while the chewable group maintained a lower index of 0.71. The chewable toothbrush demonstrated a more consistent reduction in plaque levels over time. Conclusion: The findings suggest that chewable toothbrushes can be an effective alternative to manual toothbrushes for plaque reduction among undergraduate students. Their ease of use may encourage better oral hygiene practices, highlighting the importance of integrating innovative tools into oral health education
Halitosis in dogs is an initial indication of periodontitis, highlighting its significance as a vital marker for underlying problems. Moreover, the oral microbial population has a significant influence on periodontal disease. Measuring the oral microbiota may be used in addition to breath odor, dental plaque, and gingivitis scoring to assess the impact of dental chews on oral health. In this study, we aimed to determine the differences in breath odor, oral health outcomes, and oral microbiota of adult dogs consuming a novel dental chew compared with control dogs consuming only a diet. Twelve healthy adult female beagle dogs were used in a crossover design study. Treatments (n = 12/group) included: diet only (control) or the diet + a novel dental chew. Each day, one chew was provided 4 h after mealtime. On days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 27, breath samples were analyzed for total volatile sulfur compound concentrations using a halimeter. On day 0 of each period, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist blinded to treatments. Teeth were scored for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis by the same veterinary dentist on day 28 of each period. After scoring, subgingival and supragingival plaque samples were collected for microbiota analysis using Illumina MiSeq. All data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4) using the Mixed Models procedure, with P < 0.05 being significant. Overall, the dental chews were well accepted. Dogs consuming the dental chews had lower calculus coverage, thickness, and scores, lower gingivitis scores, and less pocket bleeding than control dogs. Breath volatile sulfur compounds were lower in dogs consuming the dental chews. Bacterial alpha-diversity analysis demonstrated that control dogs had higher bacterial richness than dogs fed dental chews. Bacterial beta-diversity analysis demonstrated that samples clustered based on treatment. In subgingival and supragingival plaque, control dogs had higher relative abundances of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Pelistega, Desulfovibrio, Desulfomicrobium, Fretibacterium, Helcococcus, and Treponema) and lower relative abundances of genera associated with oral health (Neisseria, Actinomyces, and Corynebacterium). Our results suggest that the dental chew tested in this study may aid in reducing periodontal disease risk in dogs by beneficially shifting the microbiota population and inhabiting plaque buildup.
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal-based pet food is gaining traction in Europe. In order to unlock the full potential of antimicrobial peptides and fatty acids present in BSFL meal, we evaluated the role of BSFL meal containing pet food in modulating the oral health of dogs. During this study eight female beagle dogs were fed with two iso-nutritive diets in a cross-over design with two periods of 50 days each. These diets were made using defatted BSFL meal or low ash poultry by product (PBP) meal as the main protein source. At the end of the first period, the animals underwent a wash out period of 7 days and the treatments were inverted following this treatment. Oral health of dogs was measured by: (1) count of colony forming unit of volatile sulfur producing bacterial (VSC) in dental plaque; (2) DNA extraction and amplification of 16S rRNA genes from saliva for bacterial profiling; and (3) oral malodor scoring. We found significant reduction of VSC ( ) before and after 50 days of BSFL based pet food consumption. Oral malodor score was not significantly different before and after BSFL based pet food consumption. However, there was a strong tendency for malodor reduction related to BSFL fed groups ( ). Finally, there was a significant difference ( ) between treatments in the relative abundance of Moraxella , with higher abundance in dog’s saliva when fed BSFL diets. This bacterial group is identified as a marker of oral health. In conclusion, the consumption of BSFL meal-based diets has strong potential to decrease VSC and positively modulates the saliva microbiota, which can suppress the occurrence of halitosis and improve oral health.
This chapter focuses on the client's role in controlling periodontal disease. The prophylactic oral health program includes two major parts: regular dental examinations and established regular oral home care. The summation of scores obtained for the preceding three parameters plus the patient's diet and their level of home care provides the oral health index, where 0 points indicates optimal oral health and 10 points indicates the worst possible oral health. Home care is an essential component of effective periodontal therapy. The primary goal of home plaque control is to limit or reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth. This in turn should decrease the level of gingival inflammation and, ultimately, of periodontal disease. There are two major types of home plaque control: active and passive. One important point to remember is that many chew treats that claim to help control dental disease are very hard in texture.
Antimicrobials have revolutionized the practice of veterinary medicine. Antimicrobials play an important role in the prevention and treatment of oral disease, as well as extraoral disease associated with dental procedures. Antimicrobial prophylaxis of all types is coming under increased scrutiny because of concerns about exposing patients unnecessarily to potential adverse effects of antimicrobials and increasing the likelihood of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial prophylaxis has been studied for different dental procedures in humans, with different results. Issues pertaining to antimicrobial use in veterinary dentistry are analogous to those encountered in human medicine, though there is a paucity of veterinary‐specific data. The general concept is to use antimicrobials a few days to a week before a procedure to reduce the bacterial burden and therefore bacterial translocation. Oral rinsing with biocides such as chlorhexidine can effectively reduce bacterial numbers in some species.
Proper treatment of periodontal disease is the same in all dogs: plaque control. Plaque control is achieved by a combination of routine professional dental cleanings, homecare, periodontal surgery, and extraction. Homecare is a critical aspect of periodontal therapy. Homecare should be recommended to clients at the “well puppy” as well as all vaccine appointments. The foundation of in‐clinic periodontal therapy is “Professional Dental Cleaning.” If there are no pockets greater than 3 mm, there is no minimal to no gingival recession, and no mobile teeth, the professional dental cleaning and homecare are sufficient. However, the vast majority of veterinary patients are not presented until advanced disease is present. The majority of small breed dogs presented for dental therapy require some form of surgical correction. Therefore, quite often suturing has been performed and healing time is required.
Dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases are some of the most common problems in small animal veterinary practice. These conditions create significant pain as well as localized and potentially systemic infection. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) believes that un‐ and under treated oral and dental diseases pose a significant animal welfare concern. Dentistry is an area of veterinary medicine which is still widely ignored and is subject to many myths and misconceptions. Effective teaching of veterinary dentistry in the veterinary school is the key to progression in this field of veterinary medicine, and to the improvement of welfare for all our patients globally.
These guidelines were developed to provide veterinarians with the information required to understand best practices for dental therapy and create realistic minimum standards of care. Using the three‐tiered continuing education system of WSAVA, the guidelines make global equipment and therapeutic recommendations and highlight the anaesthetic and welfare requirements for small animal patients.
This document contains information on common oral and dental pathologies, diagnostic procedures (an easily implementable and repeatable scoring system for dental health, dental radiography and radiology) and treatments (periodontal therapy, extractions). Further, there are sections on anaesthesia and pain management for dental procedures, home dental care, nutritional information, and recommendations on the role of the universities in improving veterinary dentistry. A discussion of the deleterious effects of anaesthesia free dentistry (AFD) is included, as this procedure is ineffective at best and damaging at worst. Throughout the document the negative effects of undiagnosed and/or treated dental disease on the health and well‐being of our patients, and how this equates to an animal welfare issue, is discussed.
Tooth fracture is commonly seen in practice although a lot of owners may not be aware that their pet has a fractured tooth. It is often only after treatment that owners appreciate how much pain and discomfort their pet was suffering. While chew products can be a good way to help maintain a dog’s oral hygiene, not all chews would be considered safe. Any chew or toy that does not break under the maximum load reported may have the potential to cause tooth fracture, resulting in potential pain and infection for the pet. Client education is also important as many dog owners are unaware of the incidence of tooth fractures as well as the potential harm of some chewing behaviour or products. Nurse clinics provide the ideal opportunity to discuss all aspects of oral care including the risk of certain products to cause tooth fracture.
Dental disease is extremely prevalent among dogs and it is essential that it is prevented because it affects health and quality of life. Many factors including breed, genetics, age, weight and systemic diseases can increase the chances of getting dental disease. Owner compliance and a lack of education in dental disease is also a key factor contributing to poor oral health. However, educating owners on the importance of preventing dental disease is crucial to prevention and professional cleaning, daily tooth brushing, dental chews and dry food can all significantly improve dental health.
Periodontal disease is the most common disease in companion dogs and cats. To recognize and understand periodontal disease and its treatment requires a familiarity with the normal anatomy and physiology of the periodontium. The pathophysiology of periodontal disease is similar between veterinary patients and humans. Periodontal disease and the associated periodontal pockets can cause oronasal fistulas (ONFs). Chronic periodontitis related to age and progression of the disease over time is the most common form of periodontitis in pets. A professional dental cleaning requires general anesthesia and must be differentiated from a “non‐professional dental scaling” (NPDS) and “anesthesia free dentistry” in dogs and cats. Tooth brushing is the most effective home care plaque control method. There are two basic forms of antimicrobial treatment, local and systemic. Systemic antibiotics are not needed in most professional periodontal cleanings involving gingivitis or mild periodontal disease.
A daily oral hygiene regimen should be recommended for all dogs and cats. It is important for owners to understand the implications of painful dental disease and its impact on quality of life. Periodontal disease is the most common disease found in dogs and cats, and other dental conditions are frequently found. Veterinary nurses must convey to owners that prevention is better than treating established disease, and professional dental treatment must be carried out under general anaesthesia. Implementing dental home care in the puppy or kitten life stage can delay the onset of periodontal disease and increase acceptance. Beginning a routine soon after treatment can help prevent disease progression, and increase intervals between future treatments. Assessing the claims of an oral hygiene product or regimen is crucial prior to recommendation. Toothbrushing is the gold standard and has numerous clinical studies to support its effectiveness. However, it is not possible in some animals and continued compliance is low. Other options should be considered in these circumstances and many dental products are available on the veterinary and pet market. It is important to remain cautious of any products with extravagant claims. A balanced diet is very important to general health and some dental diets claim to control plaque or calculus levels. Dental treat chews can also benefit oral health. The safety of products should be considered carefully as bones and hard chews or toys cause dental fractures and should be avoided. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (www.vohc.org) provides a seal of acceptance for some products proven to control plaque or calculus.
The maintenance of the oral health of veterinary patients is fundamental to the maintenance of their overall health. Oral ill-health and untreated diseases are considered to contribute significantly to, or exacerbate, many other systemic illnesses that animal patients suffer, often due to a transient bacteraemia originating within the oral cavity, and these diseases can be painful. Anecdotally, many clients return with their animal post-dental treatment and report that they are like a puppy or a kitten again. This is simply because having cleaned away the plaque bacteria from the sulcus during the dental procedure, the animal does not then suffer this influx of bacteria from the sulcus through the breached epithelium and into the bloodstream every time it eats, closes its mouth or holds on to a toy. A persistent low-grade bacteraemia will take its toll on any animal and insidiously age it. The promotion of oral homecare and the provision of advice and guidance with regards to protocols and products is largely the responsibility of the registered veterinary nurse (RVN) or veterinary technicians in veterinary practice, and as such they should aim to promote preventative health care rather than reactive health care. This article aims to explore the different types of products available to enhance good oral homecare and examine their claims, before suggesting an optimal ‘goldstandard’ oral homecare regimen and compromises to this optimal regimen.
A cross sectional study was done in seventy-four beagle dogs from one to twelve years of age. Gingivitis, calculus, plaque, loss of attachment, pocket depth and width of keratinized gingiva were scored and descriptive statistics calculated.
Gingivitis differed very little in the maxillary and mandibular incisor and canine regions at differing ages, while it was more severe on the buccal gingiva of premolars and first molars. Calculus scores were highest on the buccal surface of the maxillary P4 followed by the buccal surfaces of the maxillary Ml and mandibular P4. Plaque scores were high for the very young dogs and showed only slightly to moderately higher values with increasing age. The buccal surface of the maxillary P4 had the highest plaque score, followed closely by the buccal surfaces of the maxillary M1 and mandibular P4. Plaque scores were low in the incisor regions and on the lingual surfaces. On the buccal surfaces plaque scores increased from the C to P4, and then decreased in the molar regions.
Loss of attachment was minimal for anterior teeth and was greater in the premolar and maxillary M1 regions with older age. The greatest loss occurred on the distal surface of the maxillary P4, the mesial surface of maxillary M1, and distal surface of mandibular P4. The greatest difference existed between younger dogs and those older than six to seven years. Greater pocket depths were not generally proportionate to the greater loss of attachment, since recession accompanied loss of attachment. Pocket formation was found most often at the distal surface of the mandibular P4 in dogs six to seven years of age. The width of keratinized gingiva varied only slightly and inconsistantly with age, except that slightly narrower widths were found at six to seven years of age.
Periodontal disease in the beagle dog occurred in specific areas with a high plaque accumulation in young dogs and more gingivitis, calculus formation, and loss of attachment in older animals.
In 1350 client-owned dogs in North America, the association of calculus, gingival inflammation and periodontal bone loss with diet (dry food only, or other than dry food only), and with access to other chewing materials was analyzed. There were few apparent differences seen in dogs fed dry food only compared with those fed other than dry food only. There was progressively less accumulation of calculus, less gingival inflammation and less periodontal bone loss in dogs that were given access to more types of chewing materials (rawhides, bones, biscuits, chew toys) compared with dogs given access to fewer or no chewing materials. When the effects of individual chewing materials were analyzed, access to rawhides overall had the greatest apparent periodontal protective effect, and this effect was more apparent in dogs fed dry food only compared with those fed other than dry food only.
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.
The objective of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of feeding a dental hygiene chew that has been shown to be effective in promoting periodontal health in dogs in short-term studies. Oral malodor, calculus, and plaque scores were still significantly lower after 21 months in the group that was receiving the dental hygiene chew, although gingivitis scores no longer differed significantly. There were no reports of any adverse reactions during the study. The results of the study support that feeding of the dental hygiene chew six days per week reduces accumulation of dental deposits, helps maintain periodontal health, and increases the time interval between professional periodontal intervention.
Experimental studies have been made of mineralization in developing human dental calculus, formed in vivo on polyester strips attached to the teeth. The findings suggest a close parallelism between calcification process in this exogenous deposit and in calcified tissues. The microorganisms and intermicrobial substance first laid down serve as the organic matrix, which undergoes a series of chemical and morphological changes prior to mineralization. Calcification within this matrix follows a definite pattern, crystals first being laid down between and on surfaces of the bacteria, and later inside them.