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Effectiveness of an Oral Hygiene Chew to Reduce Dental Deposits in Small Breed Dogs
Abstract
Over a period of 4-months, feeding small breed dogs with a regular dry diet supplemented with a daily oral hygiene chew resulted in a significant reduction in plaque deposition (17.3%) and calculus accumulation (45.8%) compared with dogs fed the dry diet alone. Daily feeding of a specifically designed oral hygiene chew that reduces plaque and calculus accumulation may play a role in the severity of canine periodontal disease.
... 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). ...
... 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 . Another study reported that dogs receiving dental chews (dental chew twice daily immediately after food) or 0.2% w/v chlorhexidine (application of chlorhexidine on the buccal surface of the tooth by soaked cotton twice daily after the food was consumed) for 28 d showed lower plaque deposits, and the group receiving both dental chews and chlorhexidine showed that all animals remained free from fresh plaque deposits (Garanayak et al., 2019). ...
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.
... 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. ...
... There are limited studies published and products available specifically for small and toy breeds. 14,16 The objective of this study was to test the clinical efficacy of a dental chew a for toy breeds, designed with mechanical and chemical properties for the prevention of gingivitis, dental plaque, calculus, and halitosis, using 2 toy breeds (Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahua). The dental chew a had a specific shape and structure designed to maximize tooth contact and increase mastication time in toy breed dogs. ...
... 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.
... [1][2][3][4][5] Optimal treatment for the prevention of periodontal disease includes annual professional teeth cleaning and toothbrushing preferably daily, or at least 3 times each week. 6,7 Other methods administered by pet owners to impede the progression of periodontal disease by decreasing plaque and calculus formation include diets [8][9][10] , chews [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] , gels [19][20][21] , water additives 22 , and dental sealants 23 . A previous study has shown weekly application of a barrier dental sealant a to be effective in reducing plaque and calculus during an 8-week study period. ...
... The mean of all tooth scores determined the one-half mouth calculus score. 17 ...
... The mean of all tooth scores determined the one-half mouth plaque score. 17,26 Plaque Coverage Plaque Thickness (Intensity) 0 = None observed 1 = Light (pink to light red) 1 = < 25% 2 = Medium (red) 2 = 25 -49 % 3 = Heavy (dark red) 3 = 50 -74 % 4 = 75 -100 % ...
A dental wax was evaluated after unilateral application in 20 client-owned, mixed and purebred small dogs using a clean, split-mouth study model. All dogs had clinical signs of periodontal disease including plaque, calculus, and/or gingivitis. The wax was randomly applied to the teeth of one side of the mouth daily for 30-days while the contralateral side received no treatment. Owner parameters evaluated included compliance and a subjective assessment of ease of wax application. Gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation were scored at the end of the study period. Owners considered the wax easy to apply in all dogs. Compliance with no missed application days was achieved in 8 dogs. The number of missed application days had no effect on wax efficacy. There was no significant difference in gingivitis or plaque accumulation scores when comparing treated and untreated sides. Calculus accumulation scores were significantly less (22.1 %) for teeth receiving the dental wax.
... 7 Regardless of the disease stage, plaque control is critical to therapeutic success. 9 Numerous mechanical and chemical methods have been proposed for plaque control and its effect on periodontal health in the dog, including toothbrushing [10][11][12] , dental chews with and without enzymes [13][14][15][16][17][18] , gels 19 , barrier sealants 20 , clindamycin 21 , and chlorhexidine [22][23][24][25][26][27] . While it is generally accepted that toothbrushing in humans is the most effective method of plaque removal, it is not the most common method in the dog, as few owners are diligent in brushing their dogs' teeth over the long-term and many dogs will not tolerate daily brushing. ...
... The significant plaque and calculus reductions reported here are consistent with recent studies on meat-based chews, which have published plaque reductions in the range of 13.1 -38 % [14][15][16][17]19,22,35 and calculus reductions in the range of 45.8 -63.3 %. [15][16][17]22,44 However, it is difficult to accurately compare these reductions, as each study uses a different base diet and different trial design making direct comparisons inappropriate. ...
... The significant plaque and calculus reductions reported here are consistent with recent studies on meat-based chews, which have published plaque reductions in the range of 13.1 -38 % [14][15][16][17]19,22,35 and calculus reductions in the range of 45.8 -63.3 %. [15][16][17]22,44 However, it is difficult to accurately compare these reductions, as each study uses a different base diet and different trial design making direct comparisons inappropriate. ...
Sixteen toy breed dogs completed a parallel, 70-day two-period, cross-over design clinical study to determine the effect of a vegetable dental chew on gingivitis, halitosis, plaque, and calculus accumulations. The dogs were randomly assigned into two groups. During one study period the dogs were fed a non-dental dry diet only and during the second study period were fed the same dry diet supplemented by the daily addition of a vegetable dental chew. Daily administration of the dental chew was shown to reduce halitosis, as well as, significantly reduce gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation and therefore may play a significant role in the improvement of canine oral health over the long-term.
... Plaque, calculus, and gingivitis are common features of periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting wide ranges of the population in both humans and dogs [1][2][3][4][5]. More specifically, the incidence and severity of periodontal disease in dogs has been shown to increase with age. ...
... Furthermore, small breeds of dog, brachycephalic breeds, and dogs with tooth overcrowding appear to be especially vulnerable, and in some cases, extracting the affected teeth is the only effective therapy possible [4,6,7]. Periodontal disease derives from the accumulation of plaque, a complex mixture of organisms in a matrix of salivary glycoproteins and extracellular polysaccharides [2,8] on tooth surfaces and from the inflammatory and immune responses in tooth support tissues [1,3]. The oral bacterial microflora in dogs and cats is composed of aerobic, facultative, or strictly anaerobic bacteria [9]. ...
Simple Summary
Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent disorders observed in dogs requiring primary-care veterinary services. Traditional methods for its diagnosis involve clinical measurements requiring sedation or general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether quantified salivary biochemistry parameters can be used as markers of periodontal disease in dogs. Seventy-nine dogs were allocated into three groups according to the severity of periodontal disease: none (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3). A blood sample and a saliva sample were collected from each dog to quantify biochemical parameters that included alpha-amylase, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, and phosphorus. LDH and phosphorus showed the highest values in Group 3 whereas calcium, amylase, and lysozyme did not differ among groups. The salivary phosphorus cut-off value of 4.04 mg/dl that was established signified that above such value, periodontal disease could be predicted with fairly high probability. Although further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results, this study offers a valid starting point for further investigation into the role of saliva as a non-invasive tool for detecting periodontal disease in dogs.
Abstract
This study evaluated whether salivary alpha-amylase, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, and phosphorus can be used as markers of periodontal disease in dogs. Plaque, calculus, and gingivitis indexes were used to allocate 79 dogs in three groups: none (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3) periodontal disease. A blood sample and a saliva sample were collected from each dog to quantify biochemical parameters. LDH and phosphorus showed the highest values in Group 3 (LDH: Group 1, 2559.85 ± 676.95; vs. Group 2: 1636.76 ± 597.36 vs. Group 3: 4099.18 ± 545.45 U.I./l, p = 0.016; phosphorus: Group 1, 3.02 ± 0.76 vs. Group 2: 5.34 ± 0.67 vs. Group 3: 5.85± 0.61 mg/dl, p = 0.049) whereas calcium, amylase, and lysozyme did not differ among groups. A ROC curve analysis permitted the establishment of a salivary phosphorus cut-off value of 4.04 mg/dl, above which periodontal disease could be predicted (70% sensitivity (95% CI: 50.6–85.3%) and 72.41% specificity (95% CI: 52.8–87.3%)). Only salivary calcium was higher in males; no other salivary parameters appeared affected by gender or age. Although further results on a larger population are needed, this study shows that salivary LDH and phosphorus increase in dogs affected by plaque, supragingival calculus, and gingivitis, and this suggests their potential use as markers of periodontal disease in canine species.
... 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. ...
... These data are consistent with previous findings showing similar effects of different dental chews or sticks. [4][5][6]21,22 The main beneficial effect of those products is achieved by the chewing action which allows tartar and plaque to be scraped away. Therefore, it is mostly effective on the chewing (caudal) teeth and should complement an active homecare (tooth brushing) which is, on the contrary, most effective on front teeth that are easier to access. ...
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.
... 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.
... The use of dental chew for abrasive clearance of plaque has been reported by many workers [8,[21][22][23]. Previous reports also posited that dogs receiving the daily oral chew had significantly less dental calculus (45.8%) and plaque accumulation (17.3%) compared to the dogs not receiving the same [24]. Previous experimental findings on dental chew use also reported a reduction in mean gingival score by 11.25%, affirming the findings of the present study [8]. ...
... 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.
... In previous studies, it was shown that physical calculus removal methods for cats such as brushing teeth could prevent periodontitis, and that foods with abrasive and hard textures could effectively prevent plaque and calculus formation if effective contact was made between the food and surface of the teeth [1,8]. Studies also revealed that dental health could be improved with increased chewing time and increased number of chewing cycles [9][10][11][12][13]. ...
... It has been proven that daily brushing of a cat's teeth reduces dental plaque and calculus in their teeth and prevents gingivitis and periodontitis, but practically it is difficult for the owner to maintain the oral care of the cat [1]. In dogs, many reports have already been published showing the effectiveness of dental hygiene chews for oral care [9][10][11][12]14], and various products are actually used in the clinical field. Generally, the friction created between the dental hygiene chew and the tooth surface is known to be an important mechanism to remove plaque and calculus [9]. ...
The purpose of this study was to develop effective dental hygiene chews for cats based on the anatomical features of the dentition and patterns of chewing motion. All cats were volunteered for dental prophylaxis followed by dental impressions using yellow stone and alginate under general anesthesia. Twenty parameters related to dentition were defined in order to compare dental impressions using digital caliper. For the chewing motion study, patterns of chewing motion were identified based on recordings made with a digital camera. Ten cats (4 domestic shorthairs, 2 Russian blues, 1 American shorthair, 1 Persian, 1 Turkish Angora, and 1 Devon Rex) were recruited for the study. The parameters related to teeth and oral size were similar among the studied cats. Chewing motion can be described as more of a guillotine-like motion rather than a crushing motion, with cats chewing 3-7 times before swallowing. The chewing pattern of cats involves shearing for a short period of time followed by immediate swallowing. Therefore, the overall size of the dental hygiene chew could be determined based on the measurement of the oral size for inducing chewing. The surface details of the dental hygiene chew could be designed for prevention and removal of dental calculus and plaque in cats considering the anatomical teeth parameters. Dental hygiene chews customized for cats considering the different anatomical features of their teeth might be effective for oral care.
... Many commercial treats aimed at improving the oral health of pets by the use of mechanical scraping to clean the teeth by changes in texture and size of kibbles. This mechanical effect disaggregates the plaque and calculus from the tooth surface while the animal chews, but this benefit is only accomplished on the teeth that are used during chewing [5,6]. Another approach is to coat kibbles or snacks with phosphate salts, such as sodium polyphosphate or hexametaphosphate. ...
... Dogs that received one dental chew each day had a statistically significant reduction in plaque and calculus accumulation, and oral malodor [21]. Another study reported that the use of daily oral hygiene chews reduced in 17.3% plaque deposition and 45.8% calculus accumulation in small breed dogs [6]. For cats, the use of daily dental chews was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on tooth surfaces, as well as reducing the severity of gingivitis [5,22]. ...
The relationship between food and alteration in oral health has been studied. Whether the mechanical effect of the food on the bacterial plaque, the use of additives to control the plaque calcification or even supplements capable of modulating the oral micro biota, all these techniques have already been tested to maintain or improve the oral health in pets. It is well established that soft foods are associated with increased frequency and severity of periodontal diseases, and that harder diets promote a mechanical removal of bacterial plaque. The phosphate salts have anti-calculus forming properties, and it has been used by the pet food industry for years. Igy-GP blocks the effect of gingipain and improves the oral health of cats and dogs. Omega-3 can be an allele in controlling the inflammation caused by periodontal disease.
... The concept is also supported by studies in which a dry food was supplemented with chews, thus providing additional dental cleansing. The administration of supplemental chews has been shown to reduce dental deposits in dogs (Goorel et al., 1999;Brown and McGenity, 2005;Hennet et al., 2006;Stookey, 2009). Table 1 and 2 and on Beynen et al. (2010). ...
... This could be relevant because it is generally accepted that dogs of smaller breeds are more prone to periodontal disease than medium-sized dogs. It has been shown that the administration of a supplemental chew to small-breed dogs diminishes dental plaque and calculus formation (Hennet et al., 2006). This observation may be a basis for research attempting to enhance the efficacy of treats for controlling dental health in dogs of small breeds. ...
Problem statement: We have reported earlier that administration of a treat containing a special cellulose preparation (Arbocel BWW40®), instead of a control treat without cellulose, diminishes the clinical signs of periodontal diseas e in dogs. Based on the physical characteristics of cellulose preparation, we hypothesized that treats with cellulose have greater elasticity and induce longer chewing time, leading to more mechanical dental cleansing. Approach: Treats without or with cellulose were subjected to bending and pullin g tests in which the threshold before fragmentation, expressed as required force, was det ermined. The treats were also used in an experiment with dogs to determine chewing times. Results: The addition of cellulose to the treats raised the forced needed for bending and pulling un til fragmentation by 12 and 99%. The inclusion of cellulose into the treats raised chewing by dogs of medium-sized and large breeds by 16 and 11%. In small-breed dogs chewing time was not affected b y cellulose. Conclusion: The inclusion of the cellulose preparation into the treats induces a res istant and elastic texture which promotes chewing. It is suggested that the cellulose-containing treat s maintain contact with the tooth surface which provides effective mechanical cleansing, explaining the observed improvement of periodontal disease in dogs.
... Treats are an important contributor to the U.S. pet product industry, with $2.1 billion in annual sales. Natural chews are promoted to improve oral health in pets because chewing helps reduce plaque (Hennet, et al., 2006) and calculus formation (Hennet et al., 2006;Stookey, 2009). Production of beef-derived rawhides and pork skins, which are made from collagenous hy-podermic interstitial tissue (Bowes et al., 1955), starts with the washing and cleaning of dried skin. ...
... Treats are an important contributor to the U.S. pet product industry, with $2.1 billion in annual sales. Natural chews are promoted to improve oral health in pets because chewing helps reduce plaque (Hennet, et al., 2006) and calculus formation (Hennet et al., 2006;Stookey, 2009). Production of beef-derived rawhides and pork skins, which are made from collagenous hy-podermic interstitial tissue (Bowes et al., 1955), starts with the washing and cleaning of dried skin. ...
Chews are an important part of the pet product industry, with many having potential benefits to decrease plaques or calculus formation. However, their digestion characteristics and gut transit time are virtually unknown. Two experiments were conducted to determine in vitro DM digestibility of expanded pork skin chews and rawhide chews, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal transit time, and blood metabolite measurements in healthy adult dogs fed a weight control commercial diet and expanded pork skin chews. In Exp.1, an in vitro method that simulated gastric and small intestinal digestion was used to determine DM digestibility of expanded pork skin chews and rawhide chews. In Exp. 2, following a 22-d baseline phase, 10 purpose-bred, intact female dogs (5 to 5.5 yr of age; 18.9 to 23.1 kg BW) were fed the diet plus an expanded pork skin chew (approximately 45 g) each day for 22 d. In vitro gastric digestibility of expanded pork skin chews increased with time, with chews being 54.7, 58.6, 76.4, and 86.4% digestible after 6, 12, 18, and 24 h of gastric digestion, respectively. In contrast, gastric digestibility of rawhide chews was low at 6 h (7.6%) and slowly increased over time, reaching a maximum of 41.6% at 18 h. In vitro gastric plus small intestinal digestibility results indicated near complete digestibility of expanded pork skin chews at all time points, while rawhide chews were 50 to 85% digestible. In vivo ATTD of DM, OM, and N were greater (P < 0.05) when dogs were fed expanded pork skin chews along with the basal diet compared with the basal diet alone. However, chew intake did not change transit time as measured by a wireless motility device. In contrast, motility index and contraction pattern of the colon were altered (P < 0.05) during chew feeding relative to control. Blood urea N concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed expanded pork skin chews compared to baseline, which was not surprising given the increased N intake and absorption from the chews. Intake of expanded pork skin chews resulted in reduced blood cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease blood triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.10). Expanded pork skin had a greater DM digestibility and rawhide chews. In addition, expanded pork skin decreased blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, which may justify further research on this area.
... A DP se caracteriza por antigas placas bacterianas que se formam na superfície dos dentes dos cães, que progressivamente se calcificam e formam o cálculo dentário. Estas neoformações predispõem as inflamações da gengiva, que podem resultar em comprometimento da fixação do dente (Hennet, Servet e Venet, 2006). Contudo, a DP é considerada uma doença de etiologia multifatorial, pois Brazilian Journal of Development, Curitiba, v.10, n.2, p. 01-11, 2024 sofre influência do tipo de alimentação, hábitos de higiene bucal praticadas pelos tutores, genética, conformação bucal etc. (Grossi et al., 1995;Page;Kornman, 1997;Harvey, 1998;Genco et al., 1999;Albuquerque et al., 2012). ...
A doença periodontal acomete grande parcela dos cães acima dos quatro anos de idade, sendo caracterizada por placas bacterianas que se formam na superfície dos dentes, calcificando progressivamente até a formação do cálculo dentário. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho isolar e identificar os agentes microbianos associados aos casos de doença periodontal em cães. Foram selecionados 20 cães com o diagnóstico de doença periodontal graus E2 a E4. Destes foram colhidas amostras na mucosa gengival por meio da fricção de um swab no biofilme dental do canino superior. As amostras foram inoculadas nos meios de cultura TSA (Trypticase Soy Agar) suplementado com extrato de levedura (5mg/ml) e acrescido de sangue equino desfibrinado (5%) (TSAS); TSBV (Trypticase Soy Serum Bacitracin/Vancimicin), BBE (Ágar Bacteroides Bile Esculina); Ágar MacConkey e Ágar EMB (Eosin Methylene Blue Agar). Após o período de incubação, foram obtidas as culturas puras e pelas suas características bioquímico-fisiológicas convencionais. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e submetidos à análise da variância e a comparação das médias pelo teste de Duncan (p≤5). Dentre os 137 agentes identificados nos cultivos, observou-se 48,2% para Gram-positivos e 51% Gram-negativos, com prevalências das bactérias dos filos Proteobacteria e Firmicutes. Dentre estes, o gênero/espécie com as mais altas frequências foram bactérias Gram-positivas Staphylococcus spp, com 16 (80%) de frequência e por 15 (75%) de Streptococcus α-hemolitico, seguidas pelas bactérias Gram-negativas, que apresentaram altas frequências com as bactérias E. coli (12 – 60%) e Pasteurella spp (11 – 55%). Com base nos achados, espera-se auxiliar na instituição correta do tratamento, assim como estabelecer medidas profiláticas, para a doença periodontal em cães.
... 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). Pembentukan kalkulus mungkin masih terjadi pada hewan liar, tetapi mungkin tidak begitu menonjol seperti pada anjing peliharaan yang hanya diberi pakan komersial. ...
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.
... 22,26 Other options are also available such as a dental gel or chews. 24,[27][28][29] These options were not introduced in this study, as it would make it difficult to isolate the effect of PBMT. However, the dogs included in the sample were presented with different forms of environmental enrichment and rewards, such as rawhides and enrichment toys, which have a documented effect on supragingival calculus. ...
To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing gingivitis following professional dental prophy-laxis in dogs in a prospective, randomly controlled, double-blind study. The study included 47 dogs (male n = 23, female n = 24), with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.6 years and a bodyweight of 28.9 ± 5.3 kg. Breeds included: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n = 23), German Shepherd Dogs (n = 14), Labrador Retriever (n = 4), and Dutch Shepherd Dogs (n = 3). The left side of the mouth was treated by performing dental prophylaxis (control group). The right side received dental prophylaxis and a single session of PBMT using a Class IV therapeutic laser (treatment group). Each side was graded individually for periodontal disease (PD), gingivitis, and calculus. Follow-up observations were conducted on days 1, 3, 8, and 15 post-treatment. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney Test. Multiple regression was run to predict PD, gingivitis, and calculus scores using age, sex, and breed. A p < .05 was considered significant. The PBMT group (PG) showed significantly lower gingivitis scores from day 1 to 15 post-treatment. PD had an increasing prevalence with age. Age and breed contributed to the prediction of PD, gingivitis, and calculus grading. This study showed that PBMT significantly reduced the grade of gingivitis following dental prophylaxis, and may be a useful adjuvant procedure following dental prophylaxis.
... Of the nine studies that used phytogenics, three were in the form of dental chews, two were in the form of paste and/or gels, three were in the form of a liquid solution (spray, via water), and one was included in the diet. The application of phytogenics via dog food is an effective method for the prevention of periodontal diseases (Hennet et al., 2006;Torkan, 2015), due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory action. Water delivery of 0.8% green tea extract showed an average 37% reduction in plaque formation in the first two weeks of evaluation and a reduction in plaque index and coverage at 28 days of evaluation ( (Lindinger, 2016). ...
The expected contribution of this study is to have a complete view of the available products used in the prevention of periodontal disease in dogs. The related studies in databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, from 1992 to 2021, were retrieved, and 36 studies were used in the systematic review. Among the continents researched, North America proved to have the most developed research relating to the subject. The active ingredients researched, isolated, or compared to each other, were polyphosphates > phytogenics > chlorhexidine > enzymes > vitamin C > xylitol = adelmidrol = and probiotics. The form of use of active products was chewable > solution via water = via food > biscuits > paste and gels > mucoadhesive. Gingivitis index was the most studied parameter used to assess oral health. According to the evidence recovered in the systematic review was possible to conclude that products with different active agents and forms of use demonstrated positive effects in the prevention of periodontal diseases. The results of this study summarize the most frequently used active ingredients and application forms for cleaning dogs' teeth and provide a roadmap for future research on the maintenance of oral health in dogs.
... Dogs benefit from chewing in a variety of ways, including enhancing oral health (Gallagher, 2013;Hennet et al., 2006;Lage et al., 1990;Marx et al., 2016;Mckenzie et al. 2005;Stookey, 2009) and satisfying psychological needs. That is why most dog guardians in the U.S.A. ...
Chewing is essential to dogs, and they benefit from it in a variety of ways. It enhances oral health and satisfies psychological needs. Thus, dog guardians experience a strong urge to provide durable chews for long-lasting benefit, creating an imperative to understand the state of chew safety and efficacy and to refine methods for their evaluation.
Many chew packages claim high digestibility and longevity, implying they are safe for dogs to consume over an extended period. Yet dogs do suffer from severe chew-related GI (gastrointestinal) obstructions and lacerations to their gums, mouths, or digestive tracts. And chews often are fugacious.
The study evaluated 32 dog chews across ten categories, five safety metrics, and two durability measures. The study found that even though twenty chews tested (62.50%) claim high digestibility on their packages, only three of the chews tested (9.38%) can be considered safe. Sixteen chews tested claim longevity. Only four of these (25%) were found to be durable. Consequently, this study’s measurements disagree with many chews’ label claims.
Researchers, regulators, and pet guardians will want to heed the lessons of this study to ensure dogs’ health and wellness and to further refine chew safety methods.
... In some of the dogs, flakes of calculus came off during the treatment period ( Figure 1); however, the study period was not sufficiently long to determine whether any of the dental cleaning methods may eliminate calculus. In addition, all dogs had permanent access to rawhide bones which may help to decrease dental calculus [26][27][28]. ...
Simple Summary
Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs and can cause them pain and impaired welfare. In this study, four different devices used for active dental home care were examined: two toothbrushes, manual and ultrasonic; and two textile products, a nylon glove and a microfiber finger cloth. These pieces of equipment were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and tartar, using twenty-one beagle dogs. The dogs had their teeth cleaned once a day during five weeks. Each dog received two treatments (toothbrushes or textiles) but on separate sides of the mouth, right and left, respectively. The dogs’ oral health was assessed before and after the five-week period, by a veterinarian not aware of treatment. Each device improved the oral health in the dogs, reducing plaque and gingivitis. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. The study also assessed the dogs’ stress, fear and anxiety levels during treatment using a (fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. The assessment of the stress levels in the dogs showed that adaptation occurs in the dogs subjected to daily dental care. These results can be used by veterinary staff who want to inspire and encourage dog owners to start brushing their dog’s teeth.
Abstract
Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There are several different tools available, and in this intra-subject study, four different active dental home care treatment options were examined: manual and ultrasonic toothbrush, a nylon glove, and a microfiber finger cloth. The treatments were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and calculus in beagle dogs. Each dog received two treatments on the buccal sides of the teeth once daily, either two types of toothbrushes (N = 10) or two types of textiles (N = 11), on separate sides of the mouth. The dogs’ teeth were assessed before and after the five-week treatment period, with the assessor blinded by additional, similar dogs (N = 7). The study also assessed the dogs’ stress levels during treatment using a fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. All four treatments improved dog oral health, reducing gingivitis and plaque. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. Adaptation to dental care occurred in the dogs over time. This information can be used to encourage dog owners to brush their dogs’ teeth.
... 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.
... Telhado et al. (26), estudando cães da raça Pastor Alemão, observaram que os quartos pré- molares e os primeiros pré-molares foram acometidos por DP de forma intensa. Quando se espera redução do depósito dental somente por meio de agente mecânico, a inclusão de todos os dentes poderia ser duvidosa, pois dentes que não são envolvidos no trituramento do alimento (incisivos, caninos e pequenos pré-molares) mostrariam perda significante de depósitos dentais (14,27). ...
Resumo Na odontologia veterinária, os métodos de qualificação e quantificação da doença periodontal e da higiene oral têm sido utilizados para avaliação de produtos com potencial preventivo no acúmulo de cálculo dentário. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso da espuma de higienização bucal à base de própolis (Espuma Bucal IBASA) no retardo da formação da placa bacteriana dental em cães. Foram avaliados 17 cães conforme critérios pré-estabelecidos pelo Veterinary Oral Health Counsil (VOHC). Os animais foram submetidos à profilaxia dentária e divididos em dois grupos: Controle (CTL) e Espuma Bucal (EB), administrada uma vez ao dia, durante 30 dias. Após 30 dias, os dentes dos animais foram avaliados quanto da formação de placa a partir do índice de placa bacteriana estabelecido por Logan & Boyce. Foi observada redução (p=0,04) dos índices de placa nos dentes incisivos e caninos dos animais tratados com a EB (1,18±0,66) em relação ao CTL (2,45±0,92). Além disso, foi observada uma redução dos índices de placa em cães que receberam EB quando comparados com os CTL, considerando os dentes do lado esquerdo (16%), direito (2%), maxilares (5%) e mandibulares (16%). O uso da EB, além de ser de fácil aplicação, auxilia na manutenção da saúde bucal de dentes e gengivas dos animais controlando a proliferação dos micro-organismos causadores da doença bacteriana e sendo uma alternativa para a redução da placa dental em cães.
... The use of dietary supplements and treats that promote oral health caused substantial reduction in dental plaques and calculus. Polyphosphates are known to prevent dental plaque and calculus formation as they are chelators of calcium salts present in the saliva, avoiding the mineralization of plaques, and thus reducing the incidence of dental calculus [35]. Previous studies have revealed that coating biscuits with 0.6% hexametaphosphate decreased dental calculus formation by 46-80% over a 4 week period [10,11]. ...
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.
... To prevent PD in dogs, it was commonly recommended to feed with dry dog food. 19 However, dry food alone did not prove to be sufficient for improved oral health in clinical studies. 20 The role of diet type in periodontal disease is a topic that has not received extensive or recent attention in veterinary medicine. ...
Canine dietary requirements and nutritional habits have changed since dogs were first domesticated. Therefore, periodontal diseases (PD) are the most common problem affecting dogs in all age groups. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between diet type and oral health of dogs examined in veterinary clinic. To reveal the association between nutrition and oral health, two trials were held at the same veterinary practice in Istanbul-Turkey during 2016 and 2018. For the first trial; data coming from 100 patients examined, pre-determined questionnaire forms were filled by the owners. For the second trial, 106 dogs that came to the clinic during 2018 were examined by veterinarians for oral health and a form was filled out for each patients. It was determined that most of dogs (Trial 1: 82.0%; Trial 2: 71.7%) were fed dry food and also most of dogs older than 4 years had oral health problems (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was determined between oral health and type of diet, gender, and home dental care in Trial 1. Also, it was observed that oral problems in dogs fed once a day were significantly fewer than those in dogs fed two or more times a day (P<0.05). However, in Trial 2, statistically significant association was determined between PD and age, type of diet, oral health (P<0.05). These results suggest that oral health problems are more likely to be seen in older animals and feeding dogs with dry food decreases the occurrence of PD.
... This strategy is based on the assumption that plaque and calculus are removed from the tooth surface while the animal chews food, but this can only result in benefits for teeth that are used during mastication. 11,12 Another commonly used approach is to coat kibble with phosphate salts, such as sodium polyphosphate or hexametaphosphate. These functional ingredients reduce calculus formation (or dental plaque mineralization) due to the chelating effect of phosphorus on the salivary calcium, avoiding it deposition over the teeth. ...
Porphyromonas gulae is one of the key microorganisms in biofilm dysbiosis that leads to periodontal disease, a prevalent disease in cats. Gingipains are proteases secreted that promote the disruption of cell adhesion and the differentiation of osteoclasts. The use of anti-gingipain immunoglobulin Y (IgY-GP) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional prevention and treatment methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IgY-GP on different parameters related to oral health in cats. Twenty adult mixed-breed cats were divided into 2 groups of 10 cats fed with 2 extruded diets differing only by coating. The control group received a coating of 4 g/kg of powdered egg and the test group received a coating of 4 g/kg of IgY-GP. The experiment followed a crossover design with 2 periods, each lasting 40 days with a washout period of 30 days. The evaluated parameters were plaque, calculus, gingivitis index, and percentage of Porphyromonas gingivalis of the oral cavity (%PG-OC) at baseline and after 40 days of diet consumption. All cats remained healthy throughout the study and no adverse reactions or side effects were observed. After 40 days of IgY-GP consumption, the plaque index was significantly lower compared to the baseline (P = .0133). There were no significant changes in calculus index, gingivitis index, and %PG-OC between groups after 40 days (P > .05). The consumption of IgY-GP reduces plaque accumulation, which may lead to an improvement in the oral health of adult cats.
... 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.
... No estudo de outros autores (Scherl et al. 2007) também foi utilizado apenas um avaliador, quando foi aplicado um novo método de quantificação de PB. Para avaliação da área da superfície vestibular dental acometida seguiu-se metodologia previamente descrita (Logan & Boyce 1994), porém modificada (Harvey 2002, Hennet et al. 2006, VOHC 2008), na qual a superfície vestibular dental foi aferida como área total, sem divisão das coroas dentárias em três regiões, considerando-se o mencionado em estudo anterior (Harvey 2002 ), isto é, que a segmentação dificultaria consistentemente a avaliação, podendo resultar em representação desproporcional de muitas áreas segmentadas . Existem dificuldades a serem ultrapassadas nos dois métodos de avaliação – visual e computadorizada. ...
RESUMO.-A doença periodontal é causada pelo acúmulo de placa bacteriana sobre os dentes e estruturas adja-centes. Para sua mensuração têm sido formulados índi-ces que consideram a quantidade e intensidade de placa bacteriana (PB) e de cálculo dental (CD) existentes na superfície dentária por meio de avaliação visual subjeti-va. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o méto-do de análise computadorizada para medição de área de PB e CD nos dentes de cães através da comparação com a avaliação visual. Foram utilizados 10 cães Beagles, três machos e sete fêmeas, com similares características e mantidos sob o mesmo manejo e dieta alimentar. As ava-liações das superfícies vestibulares dos dentes ocorre-ram antes da profilaxia dentária, que foi realizada sob anestesia geral inalatória, e após sete dias para PB e após 28 dias para CD. A avaliação computadorizada da área de CD demonstrou ser estatisticamente melhor em rela-ção à avaliação visual antes e após a profilaxia; entretan-to, não demonstrou diferença significante na avaliação da PB. Concluiu-se que a avaliação computadorizada é van-tajosa em relação à visual por conferir maior precisão na obtenção da proporção entre área total do dente e área acometida, mostrando-se estatistticamente superior na quantificação do CD após 28 dias. TERMOS DE INDEXAÇÃO: Doenças de cães, placa bacteria-na, cálculo dental.
... Over a period of 4-months, feeding a regular dry diet supplemented with a daily oral hygiene chew resulted in a significant reduction in plaque deposition (17.3 %) and calculus accumulation (45.8 %) compared with dogs fed the dry diet alone. 15 It has been reported that Chinese nutgall has an inhibitory effect on caries in animal experiments. 16 The rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans and fed a cariogenic forage (2000 #) administered with Chinese nutgall, NaF, and distilled water. ...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of herb extracts on caries-related bacteria and glucan of dental plaque in vitro. Bacterial sensitivity tests were done using broth dilution, and the phenol sulphate method was used to assess glucan inhibition. The results showed that tannic acid could inhibit bacterial growth more effectively than other herb extracts. Eugenol showed a 46.87 +/- 12.74 and 36.67 +/- 6.30% inhibitory effect on insoluble and soluble glucan synthesis, respectively. Cnidium, barbaloin, caryophyllin, and piperine had > 40.0% inhibitory effect on soluble glucan synthesis. Both insoluble and soluble glucan synthesis of S. sobrinus were inhibited by eugenol and piperine. Eugenol and piperine were efficacious in inhibiting glucan synthesis making them desirable agents for oral care products.
Microscopic alterations in the dental pulp of dogs have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate microscopic alterations of the dental pulp in dogs' teeth. One hundred and ten surgically extracted teeth (20 incisors, 23 canines, 28 premolars, and 39 molars) from 74 dogs, of different ages, with a history of chronic periodontitis (66 dogs), periapical abscesses (2 dogs), pulpitis (2 dogs), oral cavity neoplasms (2 dogs), dens invaginatus (1 dog), and dental fractures (1 dog) were included. Eight-one maxillary and 29 mandibular teeth were included. Coronal, radicular, and coronal plus radicular calculus were present in 28.2%, 17.3%, and 54.5% of the teeth, respectively. In total 78 teeth (71%) had pulp alterations, including fibrosis (26%), calcification (14%), necrosis associated with the absence of odontoblasts (14%), presence of predentin and dentin inside the cavity (8%), odontoblastic hyperplasia (3%), pigmentation (3%), pulpitis (2%), and pulp stones (1%). Forty-nine (60.5%) of the maxillary teeth and all of the mandibular teeth had pulp alterations. The premolars were most affected, and the molars least affected, by pulp alterations. Pulp fibrosis, calcification, and necrosis were observed in teeth irrespective of the distribution of dental calculus.
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.
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.
Tooth disorders are common in dogs. Several factors such as age, breed, diet and chewing behavior influence such disorders. The term 'Dental HomeCare" (DHC) is used for preventive procedures which control plaque and avert the manifestation of periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the compliance of dog owners for DHC and to evaluate its effect on the dental health status of their dogs. Fifty dogs presented to the Small Animal Clinic for Dental Care were included in this study. After evaluation of the dental status, professional periodontal therapy was performed in allanimals. The owners were Instructed on DHC and its efficiency. Prior to theperiodontal therapy, 27 of the 50 dog owners (54%) had not performed DHC. in 15 dogs (30%), diets supporting dental health were fed. In six dogs (12%), regular tooth brushing was performed; tooth brushing and supportive diet were administered to two dogs (4%). One year later, 30 dogs and their owners were re-evaluated. Of these 30 dog owners, 15 still performed DHC and 9 had been convinced of doing DHC after the periodontal therapy; 6 owners had declined DHC both before and after the professional therapy and advisory service. All 24 owners (80%) who performed DHC did so in a regular manner. Seven of them (23%) fed a diet supporting dental health, seven (23%) performed tooth brushing routinely, ten (33%) combined tooth brushing and diet. Themean gingivitis and plaque index was lower In those dogs with regular toothbrushing than in those not receiving DHC and was also lower compared to animals fed a dental diet alone. From these results, it can be concluded that irregular or no DHC leads to a higher Incidence of dental disorders. The owners'compliance was enhanced due to the provision of an intensive consulting service after professional periodontal therapy.
Introduction Homecare Discussion/Instructions Types of Homecare Conclusions Notes References
This clinical investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of a unique soft rawhide product on the formation of dental calculus in a housed colony of beagle dogs. The study was designed as a 2-way crossover test with 4-week test periods and a 1-week wash-out period between the test periods. All dogs were provided a dry commercial diet and tap water ad libitum. The dogs were stratified into two groups of matched pairs on the basis of their calculus and plaque formation rates. Each test period was initiated immediately following a complete supragingival scaling and crown polishing and the dogs in the test group received a soft rawhide treat about 4-hours after their normal feeding. Examinations were performed about 20 to 24-hours after the last feeding by an experienced clinical examiner using conventional indices. The data indicated that once daily feeding of the soft rawhide chew product resulted in statistically significant reductions in the formation of dental calculus (28.0%), dental plaque (19.0%), and gingivitis (46.0%).
A series of studies was conducted to identify a practical measure for preventing dental calculus formation in dogs. The studies involved a colony of 27 Beagles that received an initial dental prophylaxis. The dogs were then stratified on the basis of their normal rate of calculus formation and randomly assigned to parallel groups within each strata. During 4-week test periods, a variety of experimental regimens were instituted, followed by clinical assessments of calculus. Major observations were that a crystal growth inhibitor, soluble pyrophosphate, incorporated into a dry dog food modestly reduced calculus formation when used at high concentration; anticalculus effects attributable to this agent were significant (P < 0.05) only when it was used as a surface coating; the coating of dry dog chow or plain biscuits with a calcium sequestrant, sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP), provided the greatest benefit and resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reductions in calculus formation of about 60 to 80%, depending on the dosage regimen; and the feeding of a single daily snack of 2 HMP-coated plain biscuits (0.6% HMP) decreased calculus formation by nearly 80%. We concluded that the coating of dry dog chow or plain dog biscuits with HMP is an effective means of reducing calculus formation in dogs.
To determine age, breed, sex, body condition score, and diet of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States during 1995, and estimate prevalences of the most common disorders for these animals.
Cross-sectional study.
31,484 dogs and 15,226 cats examined by veterinary practitioners at 52 private veterinary practices.
Information on age, breed, sex, body condition score, diet, and assigned diagnostic codes were collected electronically from participating practices and transferred to a relational database. Prevalence estimates and frequencies for population description were generated using statistical software.
Dental calculus and gingivitis were the most commonly reported disorders. About 7% of dogs and 10% of cats examined by practitioners during the study were considered healthy. Many conditions were common to both species (e.g., flea infestation, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, vomiting). Dogs were likely to be examined because of lameness, disk disease, lipoma, and allergic dermatitis. Cats were likely to be examined because of renal disease, cystitis, feline urologic syndrome, and inappetence.
Results can be used by veterinary practitioners to better understand and anticipate health problems of importance in cats and dogs they examine and to better communicate with clients regarding the most prevalent disorders in cats and dogs.
Periodontal disease is difficult to measure objectively. Many indices measuring plaque accumulation and gingivitis have been designed for humans, the Silness and Löe plaque index and Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index being examples of well-accepted systems. It may, however, be beneficial to consider new or modified measurement systems for dogs, and such veterinary modifications need to be supported and clearly identified. This article reviews the origins of clinical periodontal indices now in common use in studies that examine the effectiveness of oral hygiene products.
A study was undertaken to determine the effect of a new dental hygiene chew on periodontal health in the dog. The textural properties of this chew are different from previously tested dental hygiene products. The accumulation of dental deposits, development of oral malodor, and development of gingivitis were assessed in two groups of dogs; one fed a dry diet only, and the other fed the same dry diet supplemented by the daily addition of the new dental hygiene chew. Daily addition of the chew to the dry diet was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on the tooth surfaces, and also reduced the severity of gingivitis and oral malodor as compared to feeding the dry diet only.
A new species, Porphyromonas gulae sp. nov., is proposed to include strains isolated from the gingival sulcus of various animal hosts which are distinct from related strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis of human origin. This bacterium exhibits the following characteristics: black-pigmented colonies; asaccharolytic, obligate anaerobic growth; and Gram-negative, non-motile and non-spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Colonies do not fluoresce under UV light. Vitamin K1 and haemin are required for growth. Cells haemagglutinate sheep erythrocytes. Major fatty acid end products are butyric acid, isovaleric acid, succinic acid and phenylacetic acid. Strains are catalase-positive and indole is produced. Alkaline phosphatase, trypsin-like and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activities are strong. A beta-galactosidase and a glutamylglutamic acid arylamidase are also present. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA is 51 mol%. DNA-DNA homology data and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis provide strong evidence that strains from the animal biotype of P. gingivalis represent a Porphyromonas species that is distinct from P. gingivalis. The type strain of P. gulae is Loup 1T (= ATCC 51700T = NCTC 13180T).
Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antimicrobial agents are used extensively in human and veterinary medicine. Widespread use of any antimicrobial agent can apply selective pressure on populations of bacteria, which may result in an increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates. Antimicrobial-susceptibility data on bacteria isolated from the canine urinary tract by the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Columbia, MO, were used to determine whether there has been an increase in the prevalence of FQ-resistant bacteria over time. Between January 1992 and December 2001, minimum inhibitory concentrations of either ciprofloxacin (1992-1998) or enrofloxacin (1998-2001) were determined for 1,478 bacterial isolates from the canine urinary tract. The predominant bacterial species isolated were Escherichia coli (547 isolates), Proteus mirabilis (156), and Staphylococcus intermedius (147). In all, there were 13 bacterial species with more than 25 isolates each. A significant increase in the overall proportion of resistant bacterial isolates was documented from 1992 to 2001 (Cochran-Armitage test for trend, P < 0.0001). The same increase in resistant isolates was documented when either ciprofloxacin or enrofloxacin was analyzed separately (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0002, respectively). No difference was detected in rates of bacterial FQ resistance with regard to the sex of the dog from which the bacteria were isolated. The frequency with which some bacterial species were isolated differed with the sex of the infected dog. Proteus mirabilis was found more often in females (P < 0.0001), whereas beta hemolytic Streptococcus spp., were found more often in males (P = 0.0003). Although the overall efficacy of FQ antimicrobials remained high with greater than 80% of isolates being susceptible, the data demonstrated an increase in the proportion of resistant bacteria isolated from the urinary tract of the dog.
To partially assess the efficacy of probiotic lozenges, in the treatment of periodontal disease. Material and methods: Twenty eight subjects, of both sexes, were selected and divided into 4 groups (2 test groups and 2 control groups).The test group was instructed to consume probiotic lozenges whereas the control group did not receive any probiotic product. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, modified sulcular bleeding index and probing pocket depth were recorded and assessed at baseline, day 15, 30, 45 and day 60. The Test group showed significant reduction in all parameters when compared to that of Control group. After stopping probiotic administration on day 30, the test group showed a significant increase in all the clinical parameters except probing pocket depth on day 45 and day 60. Conclusions: The results show that probiotic lozenges were efficacious in reducing both moderate to severe gingivitis and moderate periodontitis.
A study was undertaken to determine the effect of a chew, designed to improve dental hygiene, in maintaining periodontal health in the dog. The accumulation of dental deposits and the development of gingivitis were assessed in two groups of dogs; one fed a dry diet only, and the other group fed the same dry diet supplemented by the daily addition of the dental hygiene chew. The study demonstrated that the daily addition of the chew to the dry diet was effective in reducing plaque (at one week and three weeks) and calculus (at three weeks) accumulation on the tooth surfaces. The daily addition of the chew also reduced the severity of gingivitis as compared to feeding the dry diet only. The reduction of the severity of gingivitis is promising, though whether such a reduction will prevent the development of periodontitis or not remains to be shown. Further work is required to establish the long term periodontal health benefits of feeding dietary regimens designed to improve dental hygiene.
Tooth-brushing every other day did not maintain clinically healthy gingivae in dogs. The daily addition of a dental hygiene chew to a regimen of tooth brushing every other day reduced the gingivitis scores and reduced the accumulation of dental deposits (plaque, calculus and stain). Daily tooth-brushing should be the recommendation to the dog owner irrespective of dietary regimen. Providing a dental hygiene chew daily seems to give an added health benefit when tooth-brushing is less frequent, and provides the pet owner with a useful adjunct for homecare.
The effect of brushing the teeth with a fluoride-containing or fluoridefree dentifrice on gingivitis induced by a soft diet was studied in four dogs. Changes in the gingival status were recorded at different stages of the experiment by the gingival indexes, which are a reflection of the external appearance, and by the amount of gingival fluid that is influenced by the pocket depth. The two factors appeared to be directly related although the range of the gingival index was much narrower than that of the amount of gingival fluid. No evident retardation in the improvement of the gingival condition occurred after brushing the teeth with a dentifrice that contained fluoride as compared with using a fluoridefree dentifrice or saline.
The effect of chewing rawhide and cereal biscuit on removal of dental calculus was studied in 67 dogs. Two methods were used to measure supragingival calculus and calculus removal as a function of time and acceptability. Trial 1 used a quantitative method based on actual measurement of the area of calculus on a tooth, and trial 2 used a quantitative method based on an arbitrary grading system to establish a supragingival calculus index. Analysis was performed, using 2-factor (trial 1) and a 3-factor (trial 2) analysis of variance.
Results indicated that dogs removed calculus from their teeth by chewing rawhide; some teeth were cleaned better than others. The optimal amount or frequency of rawhide treatment was not necessarily determined.
It was determined that regular consumption of up to 3 rawhide strips/d for 3 weeks was safe. Processed biscuits were sometimes effective in removing calculus from dog's teeth; however, biscuits were not as effective as the rawhide in removing supragingival calculus.
Cross-sectional as well as longitudinal studies indicate that the prevalence of periodontal disease in persons with Down's syndrome (DS) under the age of 30 years is extremely high. It is even noted in the deciduous dentition. The progression of the disease is rapid, especially in the younger age groups. Severe periodontal breakdown with horizontal bone loss is often present in the lower anteriors. The large amount of plaque and calculus alone cannot explain the severity of periodontal disease in DS persons. Many contributing factors are reported. Abnormal capillary morphology, disorders in connective tissue and anatomical aspects of teeth are some of those considered to be of influence. Alteration in immunological response may also play a role in the progression of the disease process. Disorders in the polymorphonuclear leucocyte function and monocyte function have been reported in persons with DS. T-cell functioning declines after the first 10 years of life. T-cell lymphocyte counts are low and an immature subset of T-lymphocytes is present. This latter effect occurs especially in institutions where the immunological system is under stress. The altered immune response together with higher calculus scores may explain the difference in severity of periodontal disease between institutionalized DS children and those living at home.
A dynamic equilibrium between the periodontal microbiota and the host generally results in a clinical state of periodontal health, characterized by minimal inflammatory changes in the marginal gingival tissues. Maintenance of health is most easily achieved by controlling the resident mass of bacteria. In rare instances, control of specific microorganisms may be indicated. Lack of microbial control may lead to an imbalance between the microbiota and the host due to a markedly increased microbial mass and/or increased virulence of the micro-organisms present. Such alterations in the host-parasite equilibrium may result in transient episodes of tissue destruction and, in the long term, to cumulative damage to the periodontal tissues.
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.
Evidence suggests that brushing with a toothpaste may slow plaque reformation over 24 h. This study measured the effect of toothpaste alone on plaque regrowth over a 96 h period and compared the effect with water and the known antiplaque agent chlorhexidine. At 9 a.m. at the beginning of 7,4-day no oral hygiene periods, 10 volunteers were scaled and polished. Al 5 p.m. subjects brushed their own teeth with water until plaque free. Each subject rinsed for I min with 10 ml of a randomly allocated rinse. Rinsing was repeated at 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on subsequent days. The rinses were water, chlorhexidine 0.2% or 3 g/10 ml slurries of toothpastes containing (1) monofluorophosphate(MFP), (2) monofluorophosphate + sodium fluoride (MFP+NaF) (3) monofluorophosphate + zinc citrate (MFP+ZCT) (4) stannous fluoride (SnF2) (5) sodium fluoride (NaF). At 16, 24, 48 and 72 h plaque on the buccal surface of the upper and lower premolars, canines and incisors was scored by the Gingival Margin Plaque Index (GMPI) and gram films of plaque samples made. At 96 h plaque was recorded diagraromatically and areas of coverage measured visually (Debris Index) and by planimetry. Progressive plaque formation to a Gingival Margin Plaque Index of 100% at 72 h was observed for toothpaste and water rinses. For chlorhexidine the Gingival Margin Plaque Index at 72 h was 6%, At 96 h plaque areas were significantly less with toothpaste rinses compared with water. Chlorhexidine very significantly reduced plaque areas compared with toothpaste and water. The bacteriological assessment of smears revealed essentially similar plaque development during toothpaste and water rinses and was consistent with previous reports. However, with chlorhexidine the densities of organisms in the smears were greatly reduced. It was concluded that the small effect of toothpaste rinses on plaque accumulation compared with chlorhexidine would not alone represent a true antiplaque effect resulting in therapeutic benefit.
A telephone questionnaire survey of owners of 51 dogs was conducted. All 51 dogs had had periodontal treatment at VHUP six months or more previously. At that time, they had received a tooth brush, dentifrice, instructions and a demonstrations of brushing. The owners were asked to brush the dogs' teeth once daily. At the time of survey, 53% of the clients were still brushing several times a week and 38% were no longer brushing at all.
The effect of two commercially available dietary regimens on the development of gingivitis and the accumulation of dental plaque, calculus and stain in the dog were studied. One regimen consisted of feeding an oral hygiene chew and a standard dry diet.
The other was based on a specifically designed oral care dry main meal. The study was conducted using 15 dogs in a two period, parallel cross‐over design. Each period consisted of a one week pretest phase followed by a three week test phase. During the test phase, gingivitis and plaque were measured after one week and gingivitis, calculus, stain and plaque were measured after a further two weeks. Comparison of the two regimens showed that there were equal amounts of gingivitis, plaque and calculus by the end of the study. There was significantly more stain and significant loss in bodyweight when the main meal was fed.
The role of dietary modification in the maintenance of periodontal health is discussed.
This survey investigated the association between the efficacy of plaque removal and toothbrushing forces during a normal brushing regime. The 94 subjects participating in this study were requested not to brush 24 h prior to the experiment. Panelists brushed for 1 min with a manual toothbrush. Before and after brushing, plaque was assessed using the Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein plaque index. A second 1-min exercise of brushing was carried out to assess the toothbrushing force. The mean plaque reduction was 39%, with vestibular surfaces being cleaned most effective (69%) and the lingual surfaces the least (21%). The mean brushing force was 330 g. No correlation was observed between efficacy and brushing force (r=0.14, p=0.16). The relationship between pre- and post-brushing plaque was stronger (r=0.68, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis entering squared values of force as an independent variable into the equation, indicated that the relation between efficacy and force was not linear. A curve could be fitted to the plot (p=0.0004), demonstrating that up to a certain level of force, an increase of force is associated with an increase in efficacy (r=0.33, p<0.01). Beyond this point, application of higher forces resulted in reduced efficacy (r=-0.49, p=0.03). As was calculated in this particular test this 'transition' level of force was 407.4 g. The absence of a correlation between brushing force and plaque removal efficacy suggests that in a 'user model' brushing situation, other factors than brushing force are of major influence on the amount of plaque removed.
We conducted 215 evaluations for plaque, stain, and calculus in 120 dogs at two research sites. Dogs were balanced in groups of five according to baseline plaque index scores; groups were randomly assigned to treatment or control dietary regimens. Dental cleanings were done on Day 0. Dogs in the treatment group were fed a food formulated to reduce accumulation of plaque, stain, and calculus. Control group dogs were fed a commercially available dry dog food. No other foods, treats, or snacks were given to either group. We graded 22 teeth for plaque accumulation on Day 7 and for stain and calculus accumulation on Day 21. Six trials were conducted and the results reported as a combined mean for all treatment and control groups. Dogs fed the treatment food had significantly less plaque, stain, and calculus accumulation (p = 0.001) than dogs fed the control food. Plaque, stain, and calculus accumulation can be reduced by dietary means.
Periodontal disease is the most common disease of adult dogs. Yet, much research needs to be done to delineate the exact pathophysiology of this disease. This paper describes the development of indices to evaluate plaque, calculus, and stain and to evaluate traditional and non-traditional measures of oral hygiene in dogs. We describe and recommend specific indices that permit comparative testing of dental products so veterinarians can recommend those that are safe and have some effect on the substrates thought to contribute to or cause periodontal disease.
Thirteen hundred and fifty dogs were examined under anesthesia at veterinary hospitals in the USA and Canada. Periodontal health was recorded in detail. Teeth were frequently absent (particularly lower third molar, upper and lower first premolars, and incisor teeth). Calculus was most extensive on the upper fourth premolar and molar teeth. Missing teeth, mobility of remaining teeth, extent of calculus and gingival inflammation, and furcation exposure and attachment loss all were more common in small dogs compared with larger dogs, and in order dogs compared with younger dogs.
The ability of three different toothpaste abrasive systems--sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and dicalcium phosphate--to remove dental plaque has been examined. A total of 34 volunteers participated in an independent, double-blind, crossover clinical investigation that compared the amount and percentage of plaque removed with a single brushing with Arm & Hammer Dental Care (sodium bicarbonate), Crest Regular Toothpaste (hydrated silica), and Colgate Regular Toothpaste (dicalcium phosphate) after 48 hours of limited oral hygiene. All three dentifrices removed from 58% to 68% of plaque, but the percentage removed after brushing with Arm & Hammer Dental Care was significantly greater than with either Crest (p = 0.0001) or Colgate (p = 0.0002) during a controlled, 1-minute toothbrushing. The mean amount of plaque removed with Arm & Hammer Dental Care was also significantly greater than that with Crest or Colgate (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0004, respectively). These results indicate that the abrasive system in Arm & Hammer Dental Care was the most efficient in removing plaque and improving oral hygiene. In the second half of the study, Arm & Hammer Dental Care was compared with Arm & Hammer Peroxicare and Mentadent toothpaste in 45 subjects. All three dentifrices removed from 57% to 70% of the plaque, with Arm & Hammer Dental Care removing significantly more than Mentadent (p = 0.007).
A study to compare the effect of a dental hygiene chew with or without 0.2% chlorhexidine on the development of gingivitis and the accumulation of dental deposits was performed using 11 small dogs. Confirming previous data, the daily addition of a standard chew to a dry diet resulted in significantly less gingivitis and calculus after 3 weeks compared with feeding the dry diet alone. Addition of chlorhexidine to the chew made no difference to the degree of gingivitis or the amount of calculus that accumulated, but did result in significantly less plaque accumulation after 3 weeks. The abrasiveness of the chew, rather than the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine, is likely to have contributed the most to the maintenance of oral health in dogs with mild gingivitis.
This study was undertaken to review the rationale behind the usage of antibacterial mouthrinses to control oral malodor and to evaluate the claims made for antibacterial mouthrinses against the statements of US Food and Drug Administration regulations. The literature from 1960 to August 1997, found in a MEDLINE search on oral malodor, halitosis, and tongue microbiology, was examined. Clinical trials that were double blind and had selected subjects who exhibited a detectable level of oral malodor were evaluated. Individuals who experience oral malodor resulting from the overgrowth of proteolytic, anaerobic bacteria on their tongue surfaces can be successfully treated by a regimen that includes tongue brushing and toothbrushing, often in combination with use of a mouthrinse containing an antibacterial agent. Several candidate mouthrinses containing essential oils, zinc chloride, or an oil-water-cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinse have reduced the organoleptic scores of individuals with moderate levels of oral malodor in the absence of tongue brushing. Very little long-term data beyond 6 weeks of usage are available. These mouthrinses should be marketed as oral deodorants that are analogous in purpose to the usage of deodorant soaps to control and/or eliminate body malodors.
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.
Trypsin-like activity (TLA), clinical parameters and TLA-positive bacteria were examined in periodontitis and healthy sites in dogs. TLA was markedly higher in periodontitis than at healthy sites. There was good correlation between TLA positivity and severity of periodontal disease. The proportions of TLA-positive bacteria to total isolates in periodontitis and healthy sites were 21.1% and 2.1%, respectively. Among TLA-positive bacteria in periodontitis sites, 4.4% showed strong TLA activity, 35.3% showed moderate and 60.3% showed weak activity. In the healthy sites, all the TLA-positive bacteria showed weak activity. In all, 90% of the total number of TLA-positive bacteria were identified as belonging to the family Actinomycetaceae; 40% of bacteria belonging to the family Actinomycetaceae were identified as genus Corynebacterium with moderate trypsin-like activity and the remaining 60% were identified as genus Actinomyces with weak activity. Obligately anaerobic bacteria accounted for only 5.9% of the total population of TLA-positive bacteria; they were gram-negative coccobacilli, gram-positive rods and gram-positive cocci. These observations suggested that bacteria in the family Actinomycetaceae may play an important role in periodontitis and that measurement of TLA is a clinically reliable marker for the diagnosis of periodontitis in dogs.
Tooth brushing is considered a superior technique for reducing plaque accumulation. Other methods of maintaining oral hygiene have been investigated since many owners may not be willing or able to brush their dog's teeth. Following a professional teeth cleaning procedure, 11 dogs were offered a rawhide dental chew BID for 7-days, while 11 other dogs were fed the same diet without receiving the chew device. Dogs in the treatment group had significantly less plaque formation during the trial period compared with dogs in the control group. The rawhide dental chew provided in the study reported here decreases plaque formation in the short-term and may be beneficial in the prevention of progressive periodontal disease associated with attachment loss if provided on a long-term basis.
Recent studies have demonstrated that typical dry dog foods have significantly less efficacy in reducing accumulation of dental substrates compared to a specifically formulated and processed dental food. This study compared the effects of a typical dry food and a dental food on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in dogs during a 6-month period. Daily feeding of the dental food significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis by 39% and 36%, respectively, compared with daily feeding of the typical dry food. Feeding a food that decreases plaque accumulation and reduces gingivitis contributes to canine oral health maintenance.
Crown width, height and buccal surface areas were measured on heads or skulls of four dogs and four cats, and were compared with similar measurements on models of human dentition. Buccal surface area variability was greater in dogs and cats than in humans, and teeth of cats were smaller. Horizontal (gingival and occlusal halves) and vertical (mesial, middle, and distal thirds) buccal surface area variability was also greater in canine and feline teeth compared with human teeth. This increased variability suggests the need for testing of reliability and repeatability of scoring when using plaque and calculus indices based on horizontal or vertical segmentation. Buccal surface area variability between teeth also prompts questioning the validity of equal weighting of smaller, irregularly-shaped teeth when calculating a mean mouth score. Whether equal or more reliable results would be obtained from scores of whole teeth in comparison with segmentation indices used currently has yet to be determined.
The emerging worldwide problem of bacterial resistance has resulted from overuse and misuse of systemic antibiotics. It is appropriate therefore to review periodontal treatment strategies to determine whether systemic antibiotics have a role to play in the management of periodontitis. For the great majority of patients presenting with periodontal conditions, systemic antibiotics are not indicated. Instead, treatment should focus on mechanical disruption of plaque biofilms, plaque control and risk factor modification. Systemic antibiotics may be indicated in severe spreading infections, some aggressive forms of periodontitis, and necrotizing periodontal conditions. These conditions present infrequently in general practice, most will require referral to a periodontal specialist and the decision to use systemic antimicrobials as part of periodontal management is more appropriately taken within a specialist centre. Systemic antibiotics are not indicated in the vast majority of periodontal conditions encountered in general dental practice.
Antimicrobial resistance of periodontal pathogens towards currently used antibiotics in periodontics has been investigated in a previous study. Microbial resistance in the periodontal microflora was more frequently observed in Spanish patients in comparison with Dutch patients. The aim of the present study was to compare antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of five periodontal bacteria isolated from periodontitis patients in Spain and in The Netherlands.
Subgingival plaque samples from adult patients with periodontitis were collected and cultured on selective and non-selective plates. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Micromonas micros were isolated and used for minimal inhibitory concentration tests using the Epsilometer (E-test) technique. Eight different antibiotics were tested on all bacterial isolates. MIC50 and MIC90 values for each antibiotic and each species were determined and the percentage of resistant strains was calculated.
Significantly higher MIC values were noted in Spanish strains of F. nucleatum for penicillin, ciprofloxacin, of P. intermedia for penicillin, amoxicillin and tetracycline, of M. micros for tetracycline, amoxicillin and azithromycin, and of P. gingivalis for tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Based on breakpoint concentrations, a higher number of resistant strains in Spain were found in F. nucleatum for penicillin, amoxicillin and metronidazole, in Prevotella intermedia for tetracycline and amoxicillin, and in A. actinomycetemcomitans for amoxicillin and azithromycin. Resistance of P. gingivalis strains was not observed for any of the antibiotics tested both in Spain and The Netherlands.
Differences exist in the susceptibility profiles of periodontal pathogens isolated from periodontitis patients in Spain and in The Netherlands. This implicates that antibiotic susceptibility testing is necessary to determine efficacy of antimicrobial agents. Also, clinical studies with antibiotics should take these differences into account. The information from the present study indicates that it may not be possible to develop uniform protocols for usage of antibiotics in the treatment of severe periodontitis in the European Union.
The objectives of this study were to assess intra-examiner (experienced examiner) and inter-examiner agreements (experienced versus non-experienced examiners) of scores assessed with the Logan & Boyce plaque index and to evaluate whether a modification of this index, where anatomical landmarks are used for horizontal division [mod L&B-AL] and dye references are used for assessing intensity of dye (plaque thickness) [mod L&B-DR], would improve repeatability. The Logan & Boyce index was found to be inaccurate when scoring plaque coverage as it underestimated the total crown surface. The contribution of the gingival part to the total tooth score was minimized by the Logan & Boyce index compared to the mod L&B-AL/DR. Precision of global plaque scorings was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Intra-examiner agreement of plaque thickness and plaque coverage scorings on the gingival part of the tooth was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Studies evaluating plaque accumulation in dogs should therefore use the mod L&B-AL/DR rather than the Logan & Boyce index.
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