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.     

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.     

Benefits of a 'dental hygiene chew' on the periodontal health of cats

A study was undertaken to determine the clinical efficacy of a chew designed to improve dental hygiene in the cat. The accumulation of dental deposits (plaque and calculus) and the effect on gingival inflammation were assessed in 15 client-owned cats while on two different regimens. In the first leg of the study, the cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry diet supplemented with one dental hygiene chew. In the second leg of the study, the same cats were fed only the nutritionally complete diet. This study demonstrated that the daily addition of the chew to the dry diet resulted in significantly less plaque and calculus accumulation on tooth surfaces. It was our experience that daily feeding of the chew helped maintain dental hygiene in cats; however, regular professional therapy is still indicated.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Effectiveness of an oral hygiene chew to reduce dental deposits in small breed dogs

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.     

Relationship between diet, dental calculus and periodontal disease in domestic and feral cats in Australia

Objective To compare the dental calculus scores and prevalence of periodontal disease in domestic cats eating commercially available canned and dry foods with those in feral cats consuming a diet consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.
Animals Twenty-nine feral cats and 20 domestic cats were included in the study.
Procedure A dental chart and dental calculus scores were recorded using the maxillary canine, maxillary third and fourth premolar, mandibular canine, mandibular fourth premolar and first molar teeth on both sides. Periodontal disease was recorded using gingival recession, increased periodontal pocket formation, radiographic alveolar bone loss, osteomyelitis, furcation and root exposure, and the presence of calculus as indicators.
Results Dental calculus scores were significantly higher in domestic cats than in feral cats. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of periodontal disease between the two groups.
Conclusion It can be inferred that diet may play a role in the accumulation of calculus, but a diet based on live prey does not protect cats against periodontal disease.     

Effect of long-term intermittent periodontal care on canine periodontal disease

The periodontal health status was assessed in two groups of dogs which had received different levels of periodontal care over a two-year period. The dental group received regular dental scaling and polishing, and intermittent daily tooth brushing, while the control group received no periodontal care. All dogs developed gingivitis, and two (one from each group) showed evidence of incipient periodontitis. The dental group had a reduced gingivitis index (GI) compared with the control group only when they had received daily tooth brushing before the GI assessment. When the dogs had not had their teeth brushed for four weeks before the assessment, the GI was not significantly different to that in the control dogs. This suggests that continual periodontal care throughout life is of great importance and questions the benefits of intermittent oral care. The GI of the palatal and lingual surfaces in all dogs was significantly higher than the GI of the buccal surfaces. Thus, all tooth surfaces may need to be cleaned to achieve optimal periodontal health.     

Effects of Thigh and Rear Udder Hygiene on Daily Milk Yield and Somatic Cell Score

To investigate the importance of dairy cow hygiene for management, the objective of this research was to determine the relationship between hygiene scores and daily milk yield as well as somatic cell score(SCS), and also the relationship between thigh and rear udder hygiene scores.The hygiene scores of thigh and rear udder were collected from 472 lactating cows in 3 Holstein dairy farms in Henan province, and dairy herd improvement(DHI) data for July, 2014 was also collected.After correcting the influence of fixed effects including lactating stage and dairy-parity, the effects of thigh and rear udder hygiene scores on daily milk yield and SCS were analyzed using SAS 9.1 with general linear model(GLM) procedure.The results showed that thigh and rear udder hygiene scores had no significant effect on average daily milk yield and SCS(P>0.05).For average daily milk yield, the regression coefficients of thigh and rear udder hygiene scores were-0.14 and-0.02, respectively.This meaned if thigh and rear udder hygiene scores increased 1 score, average daily milk yield of each cow would decrease 0.14 and 0.02 kg, respectively.For SCS, when thigh hygiene score ≥ 4, the proportion of cows with SCS ≥ 5 increased extremely significantly(P<0.01);when rear udder hygiene score ≥ 3, the proportion of cow with SCS ≥ 5 tended to increase(P=0.0546).Significant test for correlation and correlation coefficient estimation results showed that, there was a extremely significantly positive correlation discovered between thigh and rear udder hygiene scores(P<0.01).Therefore, hygiene scores was not only a management indicator, also could help understand udder health condition, which was beneficial for management.     

奶牛股部和乳房后部清洁度对日产奶量及体细胞数的影响

为探究奶牛体表清洁度在实际生产中的应用意义,本研究通过评价河南省3个奶牛场472头泌乳天数在0~330 d的中国荷斯坦奶牛股部清洁度和乳房后部清洁度,并结合2014年7月河南省牛奶记录系统(dairyherd improvement,DHI)中心提供的数据,对清洁度与平均日产奶量、体细胞数评分(somatic cell score,SCS)的关系进行分析,并探究两个清洁度评分之间的相关关系。采用广义线性模型(GLM)对数据进行统计分析,固定效应模型除清洁度评分外,还包括泌乳阶段效应和场-胎次效应等。结果表明,清洁度评分对SCS和平均日产奶量均无显著影响(P>0.05)。股部清洁度评分对平均日产奶量回归系数为-0.14,即每增加1分,奶牛平均日产奶量降低0.14 kg/头;乳房后部清洁度评分对平均日奶量回归系数为-0.02,每增加1分,奶牛平均日产奶量降低0.02 kg/头。对于SCS,股部清洁度评分≥ 4分时,SCS ≥ 5的比例极显著增加(P<0.01);乳房后部清洁度评分≥ 3分时,SCS ≥ 5的比例有增加趋势(P=0.0546)。相关性检验和相关系数估计结果显示,股部和乳房后部清洁度评分间呈极显著正相关(P<0.01)。因此,奶牛体表清洁度不仅是牛群的管理指标,而且可通过清洁度评分有效了解牛群乳房的健康状况,对日常生产过程具有很大帮助。     

Dental bulge restoration and gingival collar expansion after endodontic treatment of a complicated maxillary fourth premolar crown-root fracture in a dog

This case report describes endodontic, restorative, and periodontal treatment of a complicated crown-root fracture of the right maxillary fourth premolar tooth in a dog. A buccal portion ('slab') had separated from the tooth, which extended subgingivally into root structure. Following completion of standard root canal therapy, a periodontal flap was elevated. Alveolectomy and alveoloplasty were performed, and inflamed soft tissues were debrided. The fracture site was prepared, restored, and shaped to receive a dental bulge contour. A gingival collar expansion technique was utilized to allow for apical positioning of gingiva at the distobuccal crown-root segment. Clinical and radiographic examination 15-months following treatment showed no evidence of endodontic failure. The restorations were intact, and periodontal probing depths were slightly increased probably due to gingival enlargement from concurrent cyclosporine therapy. The importance of biologic width maintenance in periodontal surgery and need for owner compliance with home oral hygiene are discussed.     

Home care: products and techniques

Periodontal disease is common in dogs and cats. Prevention and treatment is important for general health and well-being of our pets. Both prevention and treatment of periodontal disease have two components, namely maintenance of oral hygiene and professional periodontal therapy. Maintenance of oral hygiene is performed by the owner and is, therefore, also called home care. The preventions and long-term control of periodontal disease requires adequate home care. This chapter details home care techniques and available products.     

Esophageal foreign body obstruction caused by a dental chew treat in 31 dogs (2000-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome associated with esophageal obstruction caused by a dental chew treat in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 31 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were contributed from 19 hospitals via responses to a questionnaire that was developed for veterinarians who managed the cases. RESULTS: Esophageal obstructions with the dental chew treat occurred primarily in small dogs (26/31 [83.9%]). The most common clinical signs were gagging, regurgitation, vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy. Diagnosis was usually made via survey thoracic radiography. Obstructions were most commonly located in the distal portion of the esophagus (23/31; 74.2%). Esophageal lesions were moderate or severe in 86.7% (26/30) of the dogs. Orad endoscopic removal of the foreign bodies was uncommon (8/31 [25.8%]); most were pushed into the stomach. Thoracotomy was necessary in 6 dogs. Esophageal strictures developed in 6 of 25 (24%) dogs that survived initial hospitalization. Overall mortality rate was 25.8%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Esophageal obstructions with a dental chew treat were difficult to remove orally via endoscopy, resulted in moderate or severe esophageal damage, frequently were associated with stricture formation, and were associated with a high mortality rate.     

Temporomandibular joint cytokine profiles in the horse

It has been suggested that dental abnormalities lead to temporomandibular joint inflammation and pain that may be mitigated by regular dental care. There is considerable literature on the pathophysiology of equine joint disease including studies on cytokine profiles in diseased appendicular joints. This study examined the effects of age and dental malocclusions summarized as a dental pathology score on equine temporomandibular joint cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF alpha and TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3) concentrations. TGF-beta3 was not detected in any joint sample. IL-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha were not influenced by age. Foals had significantly lower concentrations of lL-8 and TGF-beta1, and higher levels of TGF-beta2 compared with older horses. Age did not effect cytokine concentration in older horses although there was a trend towards increasing 1L-8 with age. The dental pathology score increased with age in mature horses, however there was no effect of dental pathology score on cytokine concentration. There was no effect of incisor eruption, and presence or number of periodontal lesions on temporomandibular joint cytokine concentration. Our findings indicate that age but not dental pathology affected temporomandibular joint proinflammatory cytokine concentration in this population of horses.     

Assessment of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats as a Periodontal Disease Model Using a Selective Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 Inhibitor

Several recent studies have reported that alloxan-treated rats with long-term hyperglycemia can develop naturally occurring periodontal disease (PD). Our previous studies detected dental caries in the same model. Therefore, these two lesions of different etiologies are expected to occur concurrently. In this study, we evaluated the use of diabetic rats as a PD model by employing a selective COX-2 inhibitor reported to be effective against PD. Six-week-old female F344 rats were divided into 3 groups: intact rats (control), alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed a standard diet (AL) and alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed a diet containing 0.01% etodolac (AL+Et). The animals were euthanized at 26 weeks of age, and their oral tissues were examined histopathologically. Gingivitis, marginal periodontitis and alveolar bone resorption were markedly enhanced along with dental caries in the AL group compared with the control group. However, the COX-2 inhibitor had no effect on periodontal inflammation in the AL+Et group. In addition, in the AL group, periodontitis was notably nonexistent around the normal molars, and gingivitis was scarcely worse than that in the control group. In the diabetic rats, the progression of periodontal inflammation was closely correlated with the severity of adjacent dental caries, and marginal periodontitis was frequently continuous with apical periodontitis. In conclusion, an alloxan-induced diabetic rat is not a model of PD but of dental caries. It is probable that in this model, hyperglycemia may enable crown caries to progress to apical periodontitis, while the associated inflammation may rostrally expand to surrounding periodontal tissue.     

Post mortem survey of dental disorders in 349 donkeys from an aged population (2005-2006). Part 1: prevalence of specific dental disorders

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Donkey dental disorders are being recognised with increased frequency worldwide and have important welfare implications; however, no detailed investigations of dental disorders in donkeys appear to have been published. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of specified dental disorders in donkeys by performing a prospective post mortem study on donkeys that were subjected to euthanasia or died for other reasons at the Donkey Sanctuary, UK. METHODS: Post mortem examinations were performed on 349 donkeys over an 18 month period, 2005-2006. The presence and extent of specified dental disorders were recorded and these data analysed to determine their prevalence and common locations. RESULTS: A high prevalence (93%) of disorders was noted in the population with a median age of 31 years. In particular, cheek teeth diastemata (85% prevalence) were very common, often associated with advanced periodontal disease. Other disorders observed included missing teeth (in 55.6% of donkeys), displaced teeth (43%), worn teeth (34%), local overgrowths (15%), focal sharp overgrowths (3%) and dental-related soft tissue injuries (8%). CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Aged donkeys have a high prevalence of significant dental disease, especially cheek teeth diastemata. These findings highlight the importance of routine dental examinations and prophylactic dental treatments to improve the dental health and welfare of donkeys.