The Veterinary Dental Patient - A Multidisciplinary Approach

This is a relatively new area of home dental care, with several products available ( Figure 5.14). While there are some studies on the human side that show the active ingredients have some efficacy (Hamp and Emilson 1973; Chapek et al. 1995), there is currently minimal to no peer‐reviewed evidence to support their use in controlling periodontal disease in veterinary patients. One product with xylitol 33 was shown to decrease plaque and calculus (Clarke 2006); there were concerns about its potential negative systemic effects (possible hypoglycemia and liver derangement) (Dunayer 2004, 2006; Xia et al. 2009), but it has been shown to be safe at the prescribed concentration (Anthony et al. 2011). Note that water additives will not work when the animal prefers tap water ( Figure 5.15).

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important inflammatory mediator that is seen in increased levels in human periodontitis (Matejka et al. 1998; Lappin et al. 2000). Products that decrease its production or effects may be helpful in the control of periodontal disease (Paquette and Williams 2000). Lactobacillus brevis is a probiotic bacteria containing high levels of arginine deiminase, which when applied topically decreases inflammatory mediators involved in periodontitis (Maekawa and Hajishengallis 2014).

Figure 5.14 The new version of Vet Aquadent without xylitol.

Figure 5.15 Water additives will not work when the animal prefers tap water.

1‐Tetradecanol complex (1‐TDC) B is an esterified monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) mixture of several fatty acids. In two in vivo studies on New Zealand rabbits, 1‐TDC stopped the progression of periodontal disease and caused a significant reduction in macroscopic periodontal inflammation, attachment, and bone loss (Hasturk et al. 2007, 2009).

Plaque Off products containing seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) are available as ‘dental bites’ and powder to be added to the diet, and have systemic action possibly associated with stimulating the oral defense system and changing saliva content (Gawor et al. 2018) ( Figure 5.16).

Home care is a critical aspect of periodontal therapy, but it is often ignored. Early and consistent client education is the key to obtaining compliance. There are numerous options, but tooth brushing remains the gold standard. Of the products available for passive home care, only a few are truly effective, and the reader is urged to critically review the clinical studies when deciding which to recommend to their clients.

Figure 5.16 Plaque Off series.

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