Dental disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in both adult dogs and cats. The key to management of this common problem is prevention through routine dental care at home. However, a professional dental cleaning is often needed in order to address periodontal disease prior to sending our patients home with preventative care instructions.
According to Dr. Coffman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, as outlined in his lecture, Basic Periodontal Therapy, presented at the Western States Veterinary Conference, February 2014, “The 5 Steps to Professional Periodontal Therapy” include:
1. Supra-gingival ultrasonic cleaning and hand scaling
2. Sub-gingival cleaning
3. Irrigation and a 0.1-0.12% chlorhexidene rinse prior to cleaning to prevent bacteria spraying during the dental. The 0.1-0.12% chlorhexidene rinse may be used as a final rinse after the dental cleaning as well.
4. A complete oral exam with radiographs and a dental chart
5. Equipment maintenance
The TrisDent Oral Rinse can be the chlorhexidine rinse mentioned above for use during and after a professional dental cleaning. TrisDent Rinse contains a unique combined dental formulation of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Tromethamine (Tris) and Edetate Disodium Dihydrate (Edta), which help to provide antibacterial action, plaque and calculus prevention.
Tris-Edta may inhibit plaque by helping to block its mineralization to calculus through chelating minerals and also offers antibacterial activity. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and is a very effective chemical anti-plaque agent.
After the 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. Daily at home dental care should help to prevent the need for a professional dental cleaning.
This home oral health care regimen can be facilitated by the use of products from the TrisDent Dental Line: TrisDent Water Additive, TrisDent Oral Rinse, TrisDent Gel and TrisDent Wipes. All of the products in the TrisDent Dental Product Line contain 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Tromethamine (Tris) and Edetate Disodium Dihydrate (Edta).
The TrisDent Gel is ideal for brushing. The TrisDent Water Additive, TrisDent Rinse and TrisDent Wipes are all easy alternatives for those who are unable to brush their pet’s teeth. The TrisDent Rinse may also be used during and after a professional dental cleaning as mentioned above.