Download the What is Dental Disease Client Handout here.
Dental Disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in both adult dogs and cats. A study by the American Veterinary Dental Society showed that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats had developed periodontal disease by 3 years of age. (1) Chronic dental disease not only affects the teeth but can cause internal problems as well. There is an association between periodontal disease and pathologic changes in internal organs. (2)
Dental disease begins when oral bacteria produce plaque. Minerals in the saliva harden the plaque into dental calculus or tartar, which firmly attaches to the teeth. Plaque and calculus can spread under the gum line causing gingivitis and periodontitis and bacteria can then enter the bloodstream causing internal damage. This plaque and tartar should be removed from the teeth with a professional dental cleaning.
After a professional dental cleaning, excellent oral health can be maintained at home with a consistent oral hygiene regimen. This regimen should focus on preventing bacteria and plaque build-up, which in turn mineralizes to calculus on the teeth and leads to periodontal disease. This can be achieved through using DermaZoo’s TrisDent Dental Products, which are a unique combined dental formulation of Tromethamine, Edta and 0.12% Chlorhexidine providing antibacterial action, plaque and calculus prevention in an appealing beef flavor.
Chlorhexidine and Tris-Edta’s attributes are particularly important in preventing dental disease. These oral hygiene compounds help to control plaque without brushing, as well as to reduce the calcification of plaque to calculus. Tris-Edta may inhibit plaque by helping to block its mineralization to calculus through chelating minerals and has antibacterial activity. Chlorhexidine is believed to be the most effective chemical anti-plaque agent available.(3, 4)
DermaZoo’s TrisDent Products are available in many variations: TrisDent Water Additive, TrisDent Oral Rinse, TrisDent Gel and TrisDent Wipe.
REFERENCES:
1. Periodontal disease in your pet. American Veterinary Dental Society; AVDS (www.avds-online.org/members/archives/periodontaldisease.pdf); accessed Dec 2014.
2. Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs. Debowes LJ, Mosier D, Logan E, et al. J Vet Dent 13:57-60, 1996.
3. Harvey, C., and and Emily, P. (1993). Small Animal Dentistry (pp.122). St. Louis: Mosby. p. 122.
4. Robinson, John G.A. (1995). Chlorhexidine Gluconate – The solution for dental problems. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 12 (No.1), pp. 29-31.