Dental health diets for dogs

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Oral disease is one of the most common diseases found in dogs. [1] [2] It is caused by the buildup of various anaerobic bacteria in the mouth which forms plaque, eventually hardening into tartar on the teeth along the gum line, and is related to the development of gingivitis. [3] Since small and toy breeds have a much smaller jaw but contain the same number of teeth, crowding allows higher bacterial build up and puts them at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. [4]

Contents

Although daily brushing provides the best preventative measure, feeding a dental diet or using dental chews for dogs is an effective approach pet owners can take to help prevent and control accumulation of plaque and tartar to avoid consequences of severe periodontal disease. [2] Dental diets consider many aspects of oral health such as inflammation, bone health and physical and chemical characteristics of the kibble when being formulated. Some diets, chews and/or other oral products may also strive to receive approval by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for validation of their product's claims.

Bone health

Teeth play a vital role in an animal's survival; they are used for eating, grooming and defense. [2] [5]

Each tooth is made up of a crown, which is above the gum line and covered in enamel, and roots that anchor the tooth to the alveolar bone. [2] [6] Beneath the enamel, there are collagen fibres and inorganic hydroxyapatite, which together form dentin. [2] [6] Hydroxyapatite is the storage form of calcium found in the bone. [7]

Blood calcium concentration are kept within a narrow range. If deficient, calcium will be mobilized from the bone to compensate imbalances. [7]

The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is essential to bone and teeth health; if there is excessive phosphorus within a diet, it can result in resorption and reduction of the alveolar bone [7] as shown in Henrikson's studies when dogs were fed a low calcium, high phosphorus diet. [8]

Vitamin D also plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health because it helps to maintain calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. [7] Deficiencies negatively impact parts of the teeth including the gingivae, periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone, leading to degeneration of the teeth and jaw. [2] [9]

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) dietary recommendations based on dry matter content, the maximum amount of calcium within a diet is 1.8% and the phosphorus content within a diet cannot exceed 1.6%. [10] These recommendations ensure that the calcium to phosphorus ratio will be 1:1, or at max 2:1. [10] AAFCO also states that the maximum amount of vitamin D within a canine diet cannot exceed 3000 IU/kg. [10]

Inflammation

One of the main aims of dental food for dogs is to minimize plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. [2] The oral cavity of dogs can be exposed to a variety of bacteria, parasites and viruses from their environment and it is not surprising that these induce an inflammatory reaction in the periodontium. [3] The accumulation of these bacteria, along with extracellular polysaccharides and salivary glycoproteins, leads to the formation of plaque. [11] This bacteria buildup in plaque causes gingival inflammation and indirectly stimulates activation of the host immune system. [11] Severe gingivitis in dogs can further advance into periodontal disease in which the periodontal tissues begin to degrade and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. [11] Studies have also shown that periodontal disease can negatively affect systemic health which impacts the overall health of the dog, therefore exhibiting the importance of preventing periodontal disease. [11] Using a dental diet may be beneficial towards preventative care in regards to periodontal disease. [2] Dental diets not only try to combat the buildup of plaque physically, but attempt to reduce plaque build up chemically as well. [2] Chemical compounds such as anti-microbial elements are added to some dental diets to directly target the oral cavity in order to prevent gingivitis. [12]

Chemical compounds in kibble

Excessive plaque formation can lead to severe inflammation of the gums which may result in the loss of teeth. [13] This plaque is also able to mineralize on the teeth, creating a crystallized calcium phosphate build up known as tartar. [14] Ingredients such as polyphosphate, zinc salts, and chlorhexidine have active properties to help prevent or reduce the formation of plaque and tartar. [13] [15] These compounds are able to work on the whole mouth including between teeth and all the way up to the gum line, and is not limited to just the chewing contact surface area. [14]

Polyphosphates constitute a wide variety of compounds that have beneficial effects on oral health, the most effective of these are the hexametaphosphates, tripolyphosphates and pyrophosphates and may be attached with an alkali metal, alkaline metal, ammonium or a salt. [16] Sodium tripolyphosphates as an example, are able to bind directly to the enamel as well as the mineralized sections of the teeth where it takes up the binding sites for calcium to attach, and interacts with calcium already bonded to enamel, to prevent it being able to form crystals. [13] [14] [17] Calcium mixed in the saliva can also be bound by sodium tripolyphosphates thus further preventing crystal formation. [14] Sodium tripolyphosphates are also beneficial for stain prevention, and can be broken down in the digestive tract and provide a source of phosphorus and allows the undeposited calcium to be available for whole body metabolism. [14] [17]

Zinc compounds, more specifically zinc ascorbate, also play a role in preventing plaque accumulation due to antimicrobial activity. [18] Zinc salts inhibit bacterial growth by binding to sulfur to control plaque formation, as well as reduce foul oral odours. [12] [19] However, research has only been performed on cats, so the same evidence may not be directly applicable to dogs. [18]

Chlorhexidine is another example of a non-specific antimicrobial agent. [12] It acts by disrupting bacterial deposition and plaque formation on the teeth, further assisting in reducing gingivitis. [20] Chlorhexidine can also reduce the amount of pre-existing plaque. [15] Chlorhexidine is generally found on products such as dental chews or oral rinses and may not be suitable for use in a long-term diet as prolonged use may lead to staining of the teeth and tongue, and change the taste of the food. [12]

Such components of the diet may help prevent plaque accumulation, thus reducing the overall inflammatory state of periodontal disease in dogs.

Physical characteristics of kibble

The physical characteristics of dental kibble are very important as they contribute to the mechanical cleaning of the tooth's surface. [2] The kibble need to be large and very dense to promote chewing, as more time spent chewing will aid in the decrease of accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculus. [21] When the kibble is being chewed, the broken pieces rub against the tooth's surface and scrape off the buildup of bacteria that forms the tartar, plaque and calculus. [22] Ingredients that have an adequate amount of carbohydrates and are high in insoluble fibers (typically around 10%), such as soy fiber, wheat bran fiber or cellulose fiber, are added to increase the density of the kibble to assure it does not easily crumble and promotes a texture favourable to scraping of the tooth. [2] [23] Increasing the diameter will also significantly reduce the accumulation of plaque and calculus compared to traditional dog food as it will require more chewing by the molars. [14] Traditional hard kibble will not have the same effects on oral health as it has been proven that the increase in fiber and diameter is what provides those benefits in the diet. [14] A disadvantage is that the mechanical cleansing is more beneficial for the molars compared to the incisors and canines. [14] The incisors and canines are typically used for grabbing and tearing, whereas the molars are used for crushing and chewing, so most of the contact with the broken kibble is in the back of the mouth. [14] The physical characteristics and chemical agents of the kibble work together to delay the buildup of plaque, and are both equally important to the cleansing of the dog's teeth. [14]

Veterinary Oral Health Council

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is operated by the American Veterinary Dental College and provides a Seal of Acceptance to diets, treats, chews, water additives and other formulations and products that have been formulated specifically for dental health. [24] They must have clinical evidence to mitigate the effects of periodontal disease in accordance to their standards and protocols to the alleged claims of plaque and/or tartar control. [24]

Trials are not conducted by the VOHC itself, but by the companies applying for the Seal and must follow strict protocols and guidelines to minimize error and bias between trials. [24] Trials are also specific to either tartar or plaque claims. The Seal is recognized by various veterinary dental associations worldwide. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mouthwash</span> Liquid rinse for oral hygiene

Mouthwash, mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swilled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head, and may be gargled, where the head is tilted back and the liquid bubbled at the back of the mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human tooth</span> Calcified whitish structure in humans mouths used to break down food

The human teeth function to mechanically break down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digesting. As such, they are considered part of the human digestive system. Humans have four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, which each have a specific function. The incisors cut the food, the canines tear the food and the molars and premolars crush the food. The roots of teeth are embedded in the maxilla or the mandible and are covered by gums. Teeth are made of multiple tissues of varying density and hardness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Periodontal disease</span> Medical condition

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Bad breath may also occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toothpaste</span> Substance to clean and maintain teeth

Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it is an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). Owing to differences in composition and fluoride content, not all toothpastes are equally effective in maintaining oral health. The decline of tooth decay during the 20th century has been attributed to the introduction and regular use of fluoride-containing toothpastes worldwide. Large amounts of swallowed toothpaste can be toxic. Common colors for toothpaste include white and blue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calculus (dental)</span> Form of hardened dental plaque

In dentistry, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. It is caused by precipitation of minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in plaque on the teeth. This process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within dental plaque, but the rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. This leads to calculus buildup, which compromises the health of the gingiva (gums). Calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival, and within the narrow sulcus that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival.

Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning. Those with dentures and natural teeth may supplement their cleaning with a denture cleaner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tooth decay</span> Deformation of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating. Complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss and infection or abscess formation.

Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.

Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow. It is commonly found between the teeth, on the front of teeth, behind teeth, on chewing surfaces, along the gumline (supragingival), or below the gumline cervical margins (subgingival). Dental plaque is also known as microbial plaque, oral biofilm, dental biofilm, dental plaque biofilm or bacterial plaque biofilm. Bacterial plaque is one of the major causes for dental decay and gum disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary dentistry</span> Branch of veterinary medicine

Veterinary dentistry is the field of dentistry applied to the care of animals. It is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tooth brushing</span> Act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush

Tooth brushing is the act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush, usually equipped with toothpaste. Interdental cleaning can be useful with tooth brushing, and together these two activities are the primary means of cleaning teeth, one of the main aspects of oral hygiene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scaling and root planing</span> Dental procedure

Scaling and root planing, also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, is a procedure involving removal of dental plaque and calculus and then smoothing, or planing, of the (exposed) surfaces of the roots, removing cementum or dentine that is impregnated with calculus, toxins, or microorganisms, the agents that cause inflammation. It is a part of non-surgical periodontal therapy. This helps to establish a periodontium that is in remission of periodontal disease. Periodontal scalers and periodontal curettes are some of the tools involved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingival enlargement</span> Human disease

Gingival enlargement is an increase in the size of the gingiva (gums). It is a common feature of gingival disease. Gingival enlargement can be caused by a number of factors, including inflammatory conditions and the side effects of certain medications. The treatment is based on the cause. A closely related term is epulis, denoting a localized tumor on the gingiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral hygiene</span> Cleaning the mouth by brushing the teeth and cleaning in between the teeth.

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and cleaning between the teeth. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath. The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingivitis</span> Inflammation of the gums

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms that is attached to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peri-implantitis</span> Inflammatory disease

Peri-implantitis is a destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. The soft tissues become inflamed whereas the alveolar bone, which surrounds the implant for the purposes of retention, is lost over time.

Peri-implant mucositis is defined as an inflammatory lesion of the peri-implant mucosa in the absence of continuing marginal bone loss.

Oral health can be difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams to manage in cats, particularly for pets whose owners are not committed to regular tooth brushing and/or dental treats. Oral disease is common among cats, and may lead to other health issues such as bacterial infections of major organs including the heart, kidneys and liver. When pet owners are aware of the benefits of supporting good oral health in cats, this substantially improves positive outcomes. Dietary selection, along with at-home-dental-hygiene care, allows cat owners to influence the oral status of their pets.

Interdental cleaning or interproximal cleaning is part of oral hygiene where the aim is to clean the areas in between the teeth, otherwise known as the proximal surfaces of teeth. This is to remove the dental plaque in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. The ultimate goal of interproximal cleaning is to prevent the development of interproximal caries and periodontal disease. The combined use of tooth brushing, and mechanical and manual interdental cleaning devices has been proven to reduce the prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases.

References

  1. ↑ Harvey, C.E. (1998). "Periodontal disease in dogs: etiopathogenesis, prevalence, and Significance". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 28 (5): 1111–1112. doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(98)50105-2 . PMID   9779543.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Logan, E.I. (2006). "Dietary Influences on Periodontal Health in Dogs and Cats". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 36 (6): 1385–1401. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.09.002. PMID   17085242.
  3. 1 2 Logan, E.I.; Finney, O.; Hefferren, J.J. (2002). "Effects of a Dental Food on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Health in Dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 19 (1): 15–18. doi:10.1177/089875640201900102. PMID   11985120. S2CID   40574733.
  4. ↑ Kyllar, M.; Doskarova, B.; Palar, V. (2013). "Morphometric assessment of periodontal tissues in relation to periodontal disease in dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 30 (3): 146–149. doi:10.1177/089875641303000302. PMID   24371921. S2CID   36527559.
  5. ↑ Harvey, C.E. (1985). "Function and formation of the oral cavity". Veterinary Dentistry: 5–22.
  6. 1 2 Grove, T.K. (1985). "Periodontal disease". Veterinary Disease: 59–78.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Phillips, F. (2004). "Diet and bone health". Nutrition Bulletin. 29 (2): 99–110. doi:10.1111/j.1467-3010.2003.00398.x.
  8. ↑ Henrikson, P.A. (1968). "Periodontal disease and calcium deficiency. An experimental study in the dog". Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 26 (50): 1–132.
  9. ↑ Becks, H.; Weber, M. (1931). "The Influence of Diet on the Bone System with Special Reference to the Alveolar Process and the Labyrinthine Capsule". The Journal of the American Dental Association. 18 (2): 197–264. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.1931.0064.
  10. 1 2 3 Association of American Feed Control Officials, AAFCO (2014). "Association of American Feed Control Officials: AAFCO Methods for Substantiating Nutritional Adequacy of Dog and Cat Foods" (PDF): 3–4.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. 1 2 3 4 Logan, E.; DeBowes, L.; Harvey, C.; Mosier, D.; Lowry, S.; Richardson, D. (1996). "Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 13 (2): 57–60. doi:10.1177/089875649601300201. PMID   9520780. S2CID   46307818.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Roudebush, P.; Logan, E.; Hale, F.A. (2005). "Evidence-Based Veterinary Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Homecare for Prevention of Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 22 (1): 6–15. doi:10.1177/089875640502200101. PMID   15909451. S2CID   37026916.
  13. 1 2 3 Hennet, P.H.; Servet, E.; Venet, C. (2006). "Effectiveness of an Oral Hygiene Chew to Reduce Dental Deposits in Small Breed Dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 23 (1): 6–12. doi:10.1177/089875640602300101. PMID   16718990. S2CID   28613757.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Hennet, P.H.; Servet, E.; Soulard, Y.; Biourge, V. (2007). "Effect of Pellet Food Size and Polyphosphates in Preventing Calculus Accumulation in Dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 24 (4): 236–239. doi:10.1177/089875640702400405. PMID   18309857. S2CID   32601476.
  15. 1 2 Davies, R.M.; Hull, P.S. (1973). "Plaque inhibition and distribution of chlorhexidine in Beagle dogs". Journal of Periodontal Research. 8 (12): 22–27. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0765.1973.tb02160.x. PMID   4269595.
  16. ↑ Williams, D.R.; Barrow, S.R. (1998). U.S. Patent No. 5,814,303 A. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  17. 1 2 Shellis, R.P.; Addy, M.; Rees, G.D. (2005). "In vitro studies on the effect of sodium tripolyphosphate on the interactions of stain and salivary protein with hydroxyapatite". Journal of Dentistry. 33 (4): 313–324. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2004.09.006. PMID   15781139.
  18. 1 2 Clarke, D.E. (2001). "Clinical and Microbiological Effects of Oral Zinc Ascorbate Gel in Cats". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 18 (4): 177–183. doi:10.1177/089875640101800401. PMID   11968899. S2CID   43106854.
  19. ↑ Harrap, G.J.; Saxton, C.A.; Best, J.S. (1983). "Inhibition of plaque growth by zinc salts". Journal of Periodontal Research. 18 (6): 634–642. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0765.1983.tb00400.x. PMID   6230435.
  20. ↑ Tepe, J.H.; Leonard, G.J.; Singer, R.E.; Gray, J.A.; Gibberman, B.P.; Mulvihill, J.E. (1983). "The long-term effect of chlorhexidine on plaque, gingivitis, sulcus depth, gingival recession, and loss of attachment in beagle dogs". Journal of Periodontal Research. 18 (4): 452–458. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0765.1983.tb00382.x. PMID   6227731.
  21. ↑ Clarke, D.E.; Kelman, M.; Perkins, N. (2011). "Effectiveness of a Vegetable Dental Chew on Periodontal Disease Parameters in Toy Breed Dogs". Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 28 (4): 230–235. doi:10.1177/089875641102800403. PMID   22416622. S2CID   19494319.
  22. ↑ Hand, S.H.; Hefferren, J.J.; Marlow, B.; Lewis, L.D. (1995). U.S. Patent No. 5,431,927. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  23. ↑ Cupp, C.J.; Gerheart, L.A.; Schnell, S.; Smithey, S.L.; Anderson, D.E. (2002). U.S. Patent No. 20020090444A1. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  24. 1 2 3 4 "Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)". www.vohc.org.
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