Evaluation of a topical gel containing a novel combination of essential oils and antioxidants for reducing oral malodor in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a topically applied gel containing essential oils (menthol and thymol) and polyphenolic antioxidants (phloretin and ferulic acid) for reducing halitosis in dogs. ANIMALS: 20 dogs. PROCEDURES: A blinded crossover clinical trial was conducted. Dogs received a dental cleaning and examination (periodontal examination including periodontal probing and assessments of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis). Owners then applied a gel (active or placebo) to oral soft tissues twice daily for a 4-week period. Teeth of the dogs were cleaned again, and owners applied the other gel for a 4-week period. Clinicians scored halitosis immediately after the initial cleaning and at 4 and 8 weeks, and owners scored halitosis weekly. RESULTS: Halitosis assessment by clinicians revealed that both groups had improvement in halitosis scores. Two dogs were removed because of owner noncompliance. In the active-to-placebo group (n = 9), halitosis was significantly reduced during application of the active gel but increased during application of the placebo. Seven of 9 owners reported increased halitosis when treatment was changed from the active gel to the placebo. In the placebo-to-active group (n = 9), halitosis decreased during application of the placebo and continued to decrease during application of the active gel. Seven of 9 owners reported a decrease in halitosis with the active gel. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An oral topically applied gel with essential oils and polyphenolic antioxidants applied daily after an initial professional dental cleaning decreased oral malodor in dogs.

2013 AAHA dental care guidelines for dogs and cats.

Veterinary dentistry is constantly progressing. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the practice of companion animal dentistry for the veterinary profession. Dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and optimize quality of life. Untreated diseases of the oral cavity are painful and can contribute to local and systemic diseases. This article includes guidelines for preventive oral health care, client communication, evaluation, dental cleaning, and treatment. In addition, materials and equipment necessary to perform a medically appropriate procedure are described.

Comparison of cold GP/sealer and resin bonded obturation techniques in canine teeth in dogs.

An in vitro study compared two obturation materials in the canine teeth in dogs. The teeth were instrumented with rotary instruments and obturated with either gutta percha and a sealer or resin-based materials, utilizing the gutta percha apical plug/master cone technique. Radiographs were used for evaluation of the overall appearance of the finalfill. A modified apical dye leakage method was used to evaluate the ability of each material to provide an adequate barrier to apical leakage. When comparing the two obturation materials, the differences in the radiographic appearance scores and the apical dye leakage test results were not statistically significant. The rate of apical leakage is comparable to other obturation methods that have been reported. The use of a rotary system in conjunction with the gutta percha apical plug/master cone technique is valid for the endodontic treatment of indicated teeth.