A correlative study of the clinical and radiographic signs of periodontal disease in dogs

Twenty-four dogs admitted for routine teeth cleaning were selected arbitrarily to undergo a periodontal examination and a dental radiographic examination before the dental procedure. Data pertaining to the physical and radiographic manifestations of periodontal disease of 783 teeth were collected. All dogs had lesions consistent with periodontal disease, ranging from mild gingivitis and minimal plaque accumulation to severely inflamed gingiva, exuberant calculus formation, and root exposure. Of the 783 teeth examined, 153 (20%) had a pocket depth greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 9 mm. Data regarding these teeth were subjected to statistical analysis. The clinical signs of plaque, calculus, mobility, pocket depth, and furcation were positively associated with radiographic signs of periodonta disease. The association between grossly evident gingivitis and radiographic signs of periodontal disease was not significant. Conditional probability analysis was applied to determine confidence intervals for the probability of a radiographic sign of periodontal disease occurring given that a clinical sign of periodontal disease occurs.     

Effectiveness of a dental gel to reduce plaque in beagle dogs

Tooth brushing is considered a superior technique for reducing plaque accumulation. Chemical agents may be used to reduce plaque accumulation on tooth surfaces since many owners may not be willing or able to brush their dog's teeth. Following a professional teeth cleaning procedure, a dental gel containing chlorhexidine was applied in 11 dogs BID for 7-days, while 11 other dogs received a control dental gel applied in the same manner. Dogs in the treatment group had significantly less plaque accumulation during the trial period compared with dogs in the control group. The dental gel applied in the study reported here decreases plaque accumulation in the short-term and may be beneficial in reducing the severity of gingivitis and associated periodontal disease if provided on a long-term basis.     

Canine periodontal disease control using a clindamycin hydrochloride gel

Stabilizing or reducing periodontal pocket depth can have a positive influence on the retention of teeth in dogs. A topical 2% clindamycin hydrochloride gel (CHgel) was evaluated for the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs. The CHgel formulation provides for the sustained erosion of the matrix, but also flows into the periodontal pocket as a viscous liquid, and then rapidly forms a gel that has mucoadhesive properties and also may function as a physical barrier to the introduction of bacteria. A professional teeth cleaning procedure including scaling and root planing was done in dogs with one group receiving CHgel following treatment. Periodontal health was determined before and after the procedure including measurement of periodontal pocket depth, gingival index, gingival bleeding sites, and number of suppurating sites. There was a statistically significant decrease in periodontal pocket depth (19%), gingival index (16%), and the number of bleeding sites (64%) at 90-days in dogs receiving CHgel. Additionally, the number of suppurating sites was lower (93%) at 90-days for the group receiving CHgel. The addition of CHgel effectively controlled the bacterial burden (e.g, Fusobacterium nucleatum) at both day 14 and 90. Gingival cells in culture were shown to rapidly incorporate clindamycin and attain saturation in approximately 20-minutes. In summary, a professional teeth cleaning procedure including root planning and the addition of CHgel improves the gingival index and reduces periodontal pocket depth.     

Effectiveness of feeding large kibbles with mechanical cleaning properties in cats with gingivitis

Periodontal disease is the most common acquired oral disease in cats. It starts with plaque accumulation and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of kibble and teeth brushing after professional dental cleaning. To this end, the ratio of facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic bacteria was determined, and the amount of plaque and tartar and the severity of gingivitis were measured. Eighty-eight cats with gingivitis and tartar were randomly divided into four groups and given different treatments after professional dental cleaning. The dental treatments were: group 1, cats were fed on small kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities; group 2, cats were fed on small kibbles without mechanical cleaning qualities, and owners were instructed to brush the cats' teeth; group 3, cats were fed on large kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities; and group 4, cats were fed on the same kibbles as group 2, but owners were not asked to brush their cats' teeth. A supragingival plaque sample was taken, and used for bacteriological analysis scores for tartar, plaque, and gingivitis were determined at the initial presentation and at 3 and 6 months after professional dental cleaning. Cats fed on the large kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities (group 3) had significantly less gingivitis and tartar.     

Clinical and microbiological effects of oral zinc ascorbate gel in cats

The clinical and microbiological effects of zinc ascorbate gel applied orally in cats were evaluated during a 42-day study period. Cats were divided randomly into two equal groups, with the treatment group (18 cats) receiving zinc ascorbate gel and the control group (18 cats) receiving a placebo (0.9% sterile saline). Clinical parameters evaluated biweekly included halitosis, plaque, calculus, and gingivitis. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were obtained from cats in the treatment group at Days 0 and 42. There was a significant decrease in plaque, gingivitis, and anaerobic periodontal pathogens in treatment group cats. Halitosis and calculus scores were not significantly different in treatment group compared with control group cats. The results of this study suggest that zinc ascorbate gel used as an oral antiseptic improves feline oral health, and may be most effective in decreasing bacterial growth, plaque formation, and gingivitis when applied following a professional teeth cleaning procedure.     

Effect of two dietary regimens on gingivitis in the dog

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.     

Effect of a dental chew on dental substrates and gingivitis in cats

The use of special diets or dietary adjuncts, although not eliminating the need for regular professional therapy, may serve to improve gingival health during the interval between professional oral health assessments and intervention. This study was performed to determine the effect of a dental chew on dental hygiene and gingival health in cats. The accumulation of dental substrates and the development of gingivitis were assessed in cats fed either a dry diet only or a dry diet supplemented with dental chews. A two-period, crossover design was used with the test phase lasting 4-weeks. Results indicated that the daily addition of dental chews to a dry diet was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on tooth surfaces in cats, as well as reducing the severity of gingivitis.     

Effectiveness of a vegetable dental chew on periodontal disease parameters in toy breed dogs

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.     

一例哈利犬牙结石的诊治分析

牙结石是成年犬门诊较为常见的一种口腔疾病,它是由牙菌斑和牙垢钙化后沉积在牙齿表面引起。牙结石是龋齿、牙周炎、溃疡性口炎、牙龈炎和齿髓炎等多种口腔疾病的主要诱因。本文通过对一例哈利犬的牙结石病例的诊治分析及经验总结,以期为宠物门诊常见疾病之牙结石的临床诊断、治疗和预防提供参考。     

Effect of a mucoadhesive gel and dental scaling on gingivitis in dogs

Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with gingivitis were studied over a 45-day period in order to investigate the effect of professional dental prophylaxis combined with the use of a topical mucoadhesive gel containing adelmidrol, an aliamide. A non-intrusive papillary-marginal-gingival index (PMGI) was measured at each assessment, while the gingivitis index (GI) was measured only at the beginning and end of the study. Compared to the control group, the treated dogs had a significant decrease (P < 0.005) in the average GI index during the course of the study. A significant reduction (P < 0.002) in the average PMGI index was observed in both groups 15-days following dental prophylaxis. However at 30 and 45-days following dental prophylaxis, the PMGI index values were significantly different (P < 0.005) from baseline only in treated dogs. These results suggest that the combined use of a mucoadhesive gel with dental scaling was able to improve the regression of gingival inflammation and lengthen the therapeutic benefits of dental scaling and polishing during a limited study period.     

Effectiveness of an enzymatic rawhide dental chew to reduce plaque in beagle 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.     

Long-term effects of a dental hygiene chew on the periodontal health of dogs

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.     

Effective periodontal disease control using dental hygiene chews

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a newly developed dental hygiene chew for dogs, with and without a natural antimicrobial additive, compared with a reference diet. Efficacy was determined by measuring the severity of gingivitis and the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus in dogs after 4-weeks of being fed the different dietary regimens. Dogs fed a single daily dental chew had significantly less gingivitis (P = 0. 02), plaque (P = 0. 0004), and calculus (P = 0.0001) compared with dogs in the control group that were fed an identical diet but received no chews. The inclusion of the antimicrobial agent did not improve the efficacy of the product. The dental hygiene chews tested in this study have potential to help reduce the incidence of periodontal disease in dogs.     

Concentrations of clindamycin in the mandibular bone of companion animals

Concentrations of clindamycin in the mandible were determined in 17 dogs and 13 cats with severe plaque, gingivitis/periodontitis, and calculus that were treated orally with clindamycin (11 mg/kg) once daily for 5 days prior to professional teeth cleaning and extractions. The animals were patients at the Dental Department of the Clinic for Surgery and Ophthalmology of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria. Clindamycin levels were determined during postextractional alveoloplasty. Approximately 1 to 3 mm3 of mandible was removed from the intraradicular septum in multirooted teeth and from the protruding labial/buccal alveolar rim with a small rongeur. The mean concentration of clindamycin was 8.18 microg/g in dogs (range=3.16 to 24.08 microg/g) and 17.43 microg/g in cats (range=2.45 to 51.60 microg/g). The concentration of clindamycin in the mandibles of dogs and cats may be useful to combat infections after periodontal procedures, tooth extractions, or injuries to the mandible.     

Effect on canine oral health of adding chlorhexidine to a dental hygiene chew

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.     

Effects of a dental food on plaque accumulation and gingival health in dogs

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.     

Effect of a new dental hygiene chew on periodontal health in dogs

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.     

Shape and size of teeth of dogs and cats-relevance to studies of plaque and calculus accumulation

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.     

A longitudinal assessment of periodontal health status in 53 Labrador retrievers

Objectives

To determine the incidence and rates of progression of gingivitis and periodontitis in Labrador retrievers.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐three dogs, aged 1·1 to 5·9 years, had their periodontal health assessed every 6 months for up to 2 years. The extent of gingivitis and periodontitis was measured around the whole gingival margin of every tooth under general anaesthesia.

Results

All dogs had gingivitis at the initial assessment. The majority (64·2%) of tooth aspects had very mild gingivitis. The palatal/lingual aspect of all tooth types was most likely to show bleeding when probed: 63·0% of these aspects had mild or moderate gingivitis. Over 2 years, 56·6% of dogs developed periodontitis and dogs as young as 1·9 years were affected. There was a significant positive correlation between the proportion of teeth with periodontitis and age. In total, 124 teeth (5·7%) developed periodontitis; 88 (71·0%) of these were incisors. The palatal/lingual aspect of the incisors developed the disease first (2·8% of incisor aspects).

Clinical Significance

Periodontitis developed in regions that are difficult to see in conscious dogs implying that detection and treatment of disease requires periodic sedation or anaesthesia.     

The effect of dietary corn oil and fish oil supplementation in dogs with naturally occurring gingivitis

The aim of this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate if downregulation of the inflammatory response due to ingestion of high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can slow down gingivitis development, and thus delay the progression of periodontal disease (PD) in dogs. To this aim, 44 client‐owned adult dogs (>1 and <8 years old) with naturally occurring PD (stages 1 and 2) were submitted to a plaque, gingivitis and calculus scoring followed by a dental cleaning procedure and collection of blood samples. The animals were then fed a canine adult maintenance diet, supplemented with either corn oil (0.00 g EPA and 0.00 g DHA) or fish oil (1.53 g EPA and 0.86 g DHA, both per 1,000 kcal ME) over the following 5 months. At the end of this period, the PD scoring and the blood sampling were repeated. The animals consuming fish oil had higher plasma levels of the longer chain (C ≥ 20) omega 3 fatty acids (p < 0.01) and similar plasma levels of alpha‐linolenic acid (p = 0.53), omega 6 fatty acids (p > 0.63) and C reactive protein (p = 0.28) then the ones consuming corn oil. There were no differences between fish oil and corn oil diet supplementation on plaque (18.2 vs. 17.8, p = 0.78), calculus (10.1 vs. 11.5, p = 0.18) or gingivitis (19.3 vs. 19.0, p = 0.77) indexes. The authors conclude that supplementation with EPA + DHA does not slow down progression of PD in dogs.