Biotene Veterinarian Enzymatic Oral Care Products:    

Biotene Veterinarian Enzymatic Oral Care Products:

Dental Disease in Cats

How common is dental disease in cats?

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Approximately two-thirds of cats over three years of age have some degree of dental disease. The most common problems are due to periodontal disease, gingivitis and cervical neck lesions, also called oral resorptive lesions.

What are the clinical signs of dental disease?

Certain signs should alert you to the presence of dental disease or other oral problems in your cat. Your cat may show a decreased interest in food or approach the food bowl and then show a reluctance to eat. It may chew with obvious discomfort, drop food from the mouth, or swallow with difficulty. The cat may drool excessively, and the saliva may contain blood. The cat may have halitosis, or an unpleasant breath odor. In some cases, cats may paw at their mouths or shake their heads. A reluctance to eat may lead to weight loss, which can become quite marked. Many cats will refuse dry food and demonstrate a preference for moist or canned foods. Dental disease and oral pain may account for the "finicky appetites" that some cats display.

What causes dental disease?

The most common cause of dental disease in cats is tartar and calculus accumulation on the teeth. The tooth surfaces are a home to thousands of bacteria that multiply and produce a layer of plaque. Some of this plaque is naturally removed during eating or by the action of the cat's tongue. However, the remaining plaque quickly mineralizes, forming tartar and calculus. The bacterial products and decaying food stuck to tartar are one potential cause of bad breath.

Tartar is easily identified by its tan or brown color. It normally starts at the gum edge, especially on the back teeth called the premolars and molars. In severe cases, tartar and calculus may cover the entire tooth.

"If gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur."

The accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the tooth surfaces leads to infection and gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If the disease is caught at an early stage and a thorough veterinary dental scaling and polishing performed, most of the teeth and gums will have a full recovery. However, if gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. Periodontal disease is an inflammation or infection of the bone and ligaments that support the tooth; as it progresses these tissues are destroyed, leading to excessive tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. Bacteria can spread deep into the tooth socket creating an abscess or even more severe problems such as osteomyelitis.

Once periodontal disease starts the degenerative changes to the tooth and its support structures cannot be reversed. These changes make it easier for more plaque and tartar to collect, resulting in further disease.

Is gingivitis always associated with dental disease?

A slight degree of redness seen as a thin line along the edge of the gum may be normal in some kittens and adult cats with no evidence of dental disease.

Some cats develop severe gingivitis with minimal signs of accompanying dental disease. The affected areas may extend beyond the gums to other areas of the mouth, such as the throat or tongue. The cause of this condition is poorly understood, but it is likely to be multi-factorial and may differ between individual cases. This condition is often very difficult to control and may require repeated or constant treatment, and its accurate diagnosis can involve extensive investigative procedures.

What are cervical neck lesions?

"These lesions are intensely painful, and the only effective and humane treatment is to extract the tooth."

Cervical neck lesions result from a progressive destruction of the enamel resulting in slowly deepening "holes" (cavities or caries) in affected teeth. Once the sensitive parts of the tooth are exposed, these lesions are intensely painful, and the only effective and humane treatment is to extract the tooth. The cause of this disease is unknown; however, poor oral hygiene may play a role in the disease process. (see handout "Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions"). 

What should I do if my cat has signs of dental problems?

If you see that your cat has evidence of tartar accumulation, gingivitis or is exhibiting any signs of mouth pain or discomfort, you should take it to your veterinarian for an examination. You will be advised of the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve having the cat's teeth examined and professionally cleaned under general anesthesia.

The rate of tartar accumulation is very variable between individual cats, and in some cases, this may necessitate professional cleaning on a regular basis such as every six to twelve months.

Do not try to remove tartar from the teeth yourself using any form of metallic instrument. Aside from potentially harming your cat's mouth or the cat harming you, you will damage the tooth surface by creating microscopic scratches; these will provide areas for bacteria to cling to and encourage more rapid plaque formation, thus making the problem worse. (This is the reason why your dental hygienist always polishes your teeth after removing the tartar with dental instruments).

What can I do to help prevent dental disease in my cat?

The best way prevent dental disease is to keep the mouth as hygienic as possible and to reduce the rate at which tartar builds up on the teeth.

Recent advances in pet nutrition have resulted in diets that reduce tartar accumulation. Your veterinarian can give you specific dietary recommendations that will benefit your cat's dental health.

"With gentleness, patience and perseverance it is possible to brush some cats' teeth."

However, the most effective way of reducing plaque and tartar is to brush the teeth. A number of toothbrushes are specially designed for a cat's mouth. Never use human toothpaste on cats. These are foaming products and contain ingredients that should not be swallowed and could cause internal problems. Numerous pet toothpastes that are non-foaming and safe to be swallowed are available in flavors that are appealing to cats. With gentleness, patience and perseverance it is possible to brush some cats' teeth.

In addition, or as an alternative to brushing, a range of antibacterial mouthwashes and gels can be applied to the teeth and mouth to reduce the number of bacteria present. Please ask your veterinarian for further details regarding the recommended dental products for your cat.

Dental Disease in Dogs

I was unaware that dogs have dental problems. Is it common?

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 68% of all dogs over the age of three are estimated to have some form of periodontal or dental disease.

"Few pets show signs of dental disease."

Few pets show signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet's family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition.

Are dental problems the same in pets and people?

No. In man, the most common problem is tooth decay, which, due to the loss of calcium from the enamel, results in painful, infected caries (also called cavities). In the dog, tooth decay represents less than 10% of all dental problems. The most common dental problems seen in dogs are caused by periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar and calculus on the teeth causes gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede further, exposing sensitive unprotected tooth root surfaces and the bony tooth sockets Left untreated, the infection spreads deep into the tooth socket, destroying the bone. Ultimately, the tooth loosens and falls out.

Is periodontal disease very common?

It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age suffer from some degree of periodontitis, making it by far the most common disease affecting our pet dogs.

How does tartar form and why is it a problem?

The mouth is home to thousands of bacteria. As these bacteria multiply on the surfaces of the tooth, they form an invisible layer called plaque or biofilm. Some of this plaque is removed naturally by the dog's tongue and chewing habits. If allowed to remain on the tooth surface, the plaque thickens and becomes mineralized. Mineralized plaque forms tartar and as the tartar thickens further it becomes calculus. The tartar accumulates above and below the gumline and presses on the gums, causing inflammation called gingivitis.

As the oral infection progresses, tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also occur. The bacteria can also be absorbed into the blood stream and be carried to other organs. "Bad teeth" can cause infections in the heart valves (endocarditis), kidneys and/or liver.

Can tartar be prevented?

Plaque becomes mineralized in some dogs much quicker than in others.

"The best way to prevent tartar build-up is regular home care, particularly tooth brushing..."

The best way to prevent tartar build-up is regular home care, particularly tooth brushing using toothpaste that is specifically designed to be swallowed. Special dog chew toys and treats may help reduce or delay tartar build-up. Some pet foods have been specifically formulated as dental diets that mechanically assist in plaque removal. 

Will feeding dry food remove tartar?

Pet food manufacturers have recently developed new dental diets that can help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar in your pet. Once tartar has formed, it will be necessary to remove it by professional scaling and polishing under general anesthesia.

What is involved with a routine dental cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning involves a thorough dental examination, followed by a dental scaling and polishing to remove the tartar and invisible plaque from all of the tooth surfaces. Your veterinarian will perform pre-anesthetic blood tests to ensure that kidney and liver function are satisfactory for anesthesia. Sometimes antibiotic treatment is started before the periodontal therapy is performed. Your veterinarian will discuss the specific pre-dental recommendations for your pet.

Once your dog is anesthetized, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine the mouth, noting the alignment of the teeth and the extent of tartar accumulation both above and below the gumline. If periodontal disease is severe, it may not be possible to save badly affected teeth, which may need to be extracted. Next, tooth scaling will be performed using both traditional hand scalers and ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove all traces of tartar, both above and below the gum line. The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant gum recession and it is extremely important that it is removed thoroughly. After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove microscopic scratches in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. Special applications such as fluoride, antibiotic preparations and cleaning compounds may be indicated to decrease tooth sensitivity, strengthen enamel, treat bacterial infection and reduce future plaque accumulation.

The procedures that your pet may require will be discussed with you before your pet's dental cleaning. Since it can be difficult to predict the extent of dental disease in advance of the procedure, it is imperative that your veterinarian is able to reach you during the procedure to discuss any additional treatment that may be necessary.

Why can't I just remove the tartar and plaque with a dental scaler?

Although you can remove the tartar that has accumulated above the gumline in some dogs that are extremely co-operative, there are three problems with doing this. First, only the tartar above the gumline is removed, leaving behind the material below the gumline, which will continue to cause periodontal problems. Second, it is not possible or safe to clean the inner surfaces of the teeth properly in a conscious dog. Third, the use of any instrument on the tooth enamel will cause microscopic scratches on the surface, ultimately damaging the tooth surface and leading to further disease. (This is the reason why your dental hygienist always polishes your teeth after removing the tartar with dental instruments).

Do I have to make an appointment for my dog to have a dental scaling and polishing?

Yes. Your veterinarian will perform pre-anesthetic blood tests, examine your pet for any other underlying disorders prior to the procedure, and determine if antibiotic treatment should be started in advance.

How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?

"Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning."

Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. A home dental care program including regular tooth brushing is a must for all pets. Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed instructions on how to brush or rinse your pet's teeth.

Can I use human toothpaste?

Human dentifrice or toothpaste should never be used in dogs. These foaming products contain ingredients that are not intended to be swallowed and that could cause internal problems. Numerous pet toothpastes that are non-foaming and safe to be swallowed are available in flavors that are appealing to dogs.

BIOTENE^® VETERINARIAN ANTISEPTIC ORAL GEL

PKB

Concentrated Formula For Severe Mouth Infections

Biotene Veterinarian Antiseptic Oral Gel contains a potent enzyme formula to aid in the treatment of severe oral infections such as stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontal disease. The Three Point Enzyme System used in this product has been proven to be antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral.

DIRECTIONS: Apply a 1/2” strip to upper and lower gums twice daily for 5-7 days or until infection subsides. For brushless oral care follow up with Biotene Veterinarian - Therapeutic Mouthwash, Drinking Water Additive and Maintenance Oral Gel.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolsate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sorbitol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Dextrose, Aloe Vera, Potassium Iodide, Lysozyme, Lactoperoxidase, Lactoferrin, Glucose Oxidase.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured by Laclede, Inc. for Pet King Brands, Inc.

www.petkingbrands.com

1-888-752-5487

For Veterinary Use Only

Net Wt. 1 oz. (28.35 grams)

NAC No.: 13240130

BIOTENE^® VETERINARIAN DRINKING WATER ADDITIVE

PKB

Enzymatic Brushless Oral Solution

Helps remove Plaque and Inhibit Odor Causing Bacteria

For Veterinary Use Only

Biotene Veterinarian Drinking Water Additive contains two natural enzyme systems that help remove plaque and inhibit odor causing bacteria. Biotene Veterinarian Drinking Water Additive is flavorless and provides a safe, healthy way to conveniently clean your pet’s teeth without brushing. Does not contain toxic chlorine compounds, alcohol, chlorhexidine or xylitol and is safe to ingest daily.

Directions: Add 4 pumps per approx. 1 qt. (4cups) of drinking water for first 2 weeks of use. Thereafter, reduce to maintenance dosage of 2 pumps per approx. 1 qt. To assure maximum effectiveness, Biotene Veterinarian Drinking Water Additive should be added to fresh drinking water daily. Best used with every water change.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature. Avoid exposure to high heat. Can be refrigerated.

Ingredients: Glycerine, Sorbitol, Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Rosemary Extract, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Potassium Thiocyanate, Mutanase, Dextranase.

Manufactured by Laclede, Inc. for Pet King Brands, Inc.

www.petkingbrands.com

4 fl. oz. (112 ml)

NAC No.: 13240010

BIOTENE^® VETERINARIAN MAINTENANCE ORAL GEL

PKB

with Plaque Removing Enzymes

Enzymatic Formula for Supportive Oral Health

Soothes

Moisturizes

Protects

For Veterinary Use Only

Therapeutic Mouthwash, Drinking Water Additive, Antiseptic Oral Gel (for severe oral conditions)

These products do not contain alcohol, antibiotics, Xylitol or chlorhexidine so are safe and gentle for everyday use.

Biotene Veterinarian Maintenance Oral Gel is the original “brushless” toothpaste. Contains natural enzymes that inhibit harmful odor-causing bacteria and help remove plaque. Gentle formulation relieves, soothes and protects mouth tissues against dryness, irritation, inflammation and redness. Should be used as part of your pet’s daily oral care program for prevention and maintenance.

INGREDIENTS: Hydrogenated Starch Hydroslate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sorbitol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Beta-d-glucose, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, Glucose Oxidase, Potassium Thiocyanate, Aloe Vera, Mutanase, Dextranase.

DIRECTIONS: Apply a 1/2” strip to upper and lower gums daily. Best if used in the morning, at night and after meals. For optimal oral health, use in conjunction with Biotene Veterinarian Therapeutic Mouth Spray and Drinking Water Additive.

NOTE: For more severe oral conditions associated with stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontal disease, ask your veterinarian about Biotene Veterinarian Antiseptic Oral Gel.

Manufactured by Laclede, Inc. for Pet King Brands, Inc., Westmont, IL

www.petkingbrands.com

1-888-752-5487

Net Wt. 2.5 oz. (75 grams)

NAC No.: 13240020

BIOTENE^® VETERINARIAN THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASH

PKB

with Plaque Removing Enzymes

Bio-Active Enzyme Therapy

Soothes and Protects while Inhibiting Odor Causing Bacteria

For Veterinary Use Only

Brushless Oral Care

Biotene Veterinarian Therapeutic Mouthwash contains bio-active enzymes that help boost and restore saliva’s natural balance without using harsh, drying chemicals or detergents.

Rinseless formulation

Inhibits harmful bacteria

Promotes healing

Cleans and refreshes without burning

Does not contain Xylitol, alcohol or chlorhexidine

Biotene Veterinarian Oral Care products are recommended for pets experiencing Halitosis, Stomatitis, Gingivitis, and Periodontal Disease

Other Biotene Veterinarian products available: Antiseptic Oral Gel, Maintenance Oral Gel and Drinking Water Additive

DIRECTIONS: Squirt directly onto teeth, gums and inside cheeks as needed. Recommended for daily use.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydroslate, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Aloe Vera, Polaxamer 407, Calcium Lactate, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Thiocyanate, Natural Enzymes: Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose Oxidase, Mutanase, Dextranase.

Manufactured by Laclede, Inc. for Pet King Brands, Inc.

888-752-5487

www.petkingbrands.com

4 fl. oz. (112 ml)

NAC No.: 13240030