DENTAL CHEWS

CANINE PROGRESSIVE PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs. It begins with inflammation at the gingival margin. Halitosis may be evident in the early stage. As it progresses edema of the gingival margin causes the sulcus depth to deepen. Epithelium will become detached and a purulent discharge may form in the sulcus. Bone becomes lost around the alveolar socket. As the disease progresses, the teeth become more moveable as bone loss continues. Retained plaque at the gingival margin causes a breakdown of the barrier to infection between the attached gingiva and the periodontium. Bacterial growth is heavy in the plaque and calculus attached to the crown surface. Periodontal disease results from the effect of oral bacterial toxins. The bacterial toxins cause gingival edema which cause the gingival sulcus to open.

Calculus is reduced by friction from chewing on hard objects.

A calculus control program including dental prophylaxis in the clinic and consistent home care is needed to slow progressive periodontal disease. Home care should consist of brushing and the use of Dental Chews to help remove plaque. Canine toothpaste should not contain human toothpaste surfactants which foam and can cause digestive disturbance. Fluoride is beneficial for periodic hospital topical treatment to help strengthen the enamel but would be contraindicated for consumed edible chews with toothpaste. Rawhide chews can cause digestive problems in some dogs. The FDA has issued warnings that handling rawhide can be a salmonella risk to humans and animals.

Animal Dermatology Laboratories has created a 100% edible toothpaste with abrasive cleaners contained within the chew. The surface is coated with additional dry edible canine toothpaste. Contains the two most widely used dental grade abrasives used in tartar control toothpaste for maximum cleaning and tartar control.

Dental Type Silica as regulated by the USP National Formulary. Provides the maximum abrasion level without damaging the surface of the teeth.
Dicalcium Phosphate (dental grade) - a toothpaste abrasive cleaner.
Xanthan Gum - a natural toothpaste thickener.
Sorbitol - a toothpaste thickener and base carrier for toothpaste cleaners.

The chew is entirely digestible. It is made of dried beef meat meal, beef bone meal, dried chicken, dried chicken liver, corn starch, and rice. Advanced Dental Chews come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, suitable for various size dogs with different jaw strengths. If the dog can consume the chew rapidly then a larger or thicker size should be used to prolong the chewing exercise. The chews are sterilized at time of manufacture. Guaranteed Salmonella free. They do not contain rawhide, fluoride, or human toothpaste surfactants.