Dental disease is caused by multiple factors. Certainly, the diet plays a big factor. For some pets, gingivitis is the primary problem, with teeth being affected secondarily. Dogs often crack a tooth if they are rock chewers, or overly enthusiastic about chewing large bones. Small dogs with crowded jaws have problems from misalignment of teeth. In cats, lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis plays a big part, often including an autoimmune component (reacting to their own teeth), so that sometimes removal of all teeth is the only satisfactory means of control. There are a number of substances that can help dental health.

 

 

 

The options below will help maintain good dental health in the dog or cat:

 

» The type of food fed to the canine or feline can help support healthy dental hygiene. Hard food diets (such as pellets and kibbles) are mildly abrasive and are often sufficient to scrape away or prevent much of the plaque build-up that leads to the formation of destructive tartar. Tartar build-up can lead to the breakdown and destruction of the tissues that bind the teeth to the gums; tartar can also cause infection and inflammation

 

» Canines will benefit from eating tough, raw meat once or twice a week. Stew beef is good for this purpose, as long as it is not swallowed whole. The fibers in tough meat act much like dental floss in helping to clean between your dog’s teeth. A quick blanching in boiling water will kill surface bacteria on the meat and make it safe for your dog to consume.

 

» Give dogs and cats real, raw bones to chew on; but not chicken bones because they can splinter easily or be swallowed whole and can cause a tremendous amount of internal damage. Only give bones that can stand up to the actual pet’s chewing; larger dogs will need heavy shin or shank bones that will not break or splinter. Do not cook any bones before giving to the pet as this will dry the bones out and lead to possible splintering or fracturing.

 

» Hard rubber toys, especially those with ridges, etc. can also be helpful for dogs who will chew on them.

 

» A Duke University study found that feeding cow tracheas (windpipes) with a little meat attached helps keep a dog’s teeth healthy. Other research into dog colonies found that feeding oxtails once a week prevented serious periodontal

 

» Many cat and dog treats are also specifically intended to remove plaque and help prevent tartar. Feed these treats in wheat-free and corn-free varieties especially if the canine or feline has allergies or sensitivities. These treats may also incorporate enzymes to help dissolve and/or minimize plaque. An added benefit: they massage the gums leading to healthy gums.

 

» There are also mouth sprays mouthwashes, and products to add to the pet’s water containing enzymes that help dissolve plaque and reduce bacteria. They are not as effective as brushing the animal’s teeth; however, they can be an effective alternative between regular veterinarian dental care treatments.

 

Just like in humans, effective and regular preventative dental care for the dog or cat is always preferable to dealing with dental infections or pulling infected or damaged teeth. Annual cleanings should include scraping and removing tartar and plaque, both visible and below the gum line should be part of a pet’s regular medical care. Dental care for a cat or dog is painless and is always done under sedation.

 

Integrative Medicine – Dogs and Cats

 

» Foods and supplements high in antioxidants like vitamins A, B complex, C and E, as well as manganese and zinc, will strengthen gum tissue and reduce the size of pockets in the gums where food can lodge. 

» Other powerful antioxidants available as supplements or as ingredients in holistic pet food include: carotenoids, grape seed extract, lipoic acid and silymarin.

 

» Vitamin E: can also be applied directly to small abrasions and sores in the pet’s mouth, including the gums.

 

» Calcium Fluoride: applied directly on the teeth can strengthen the surface. Do not allow the pet to swallow it.

 

» Coenzyme Q10: an antioxidant credited for fighting against the damage of free radicals; also shown to help with gingivitis, and also in decreasing inflammation, redness, bleeding and pain in the gums.

 

» Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: shown to help canines with chronic mouth problems (it may take a month or two to see improvements).

 

Dental Disease: Periodontal Disease (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

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Species affected: Cats, Dogs.

 

Background: Leading cause of tooth loss in domesticated animals. Secondary infections complicate the dental status, worsen the disease and may seed other organs. Concurrent illnesses such as kidney disease often contribute.

 

Symptoms: Bad breath, inability to chew food, inflamed gums, and tooth loss.

 

Diagnostics: Physical exam.

Special Notes: The causes are primarily man-made, due to over-use of processed, cooked commercial foods; this is commonly seen with certain breeds, including the brachycephalic breeds or flat-faced breeds of cat. Domestic animals lack proper chewing exercise, and rarely get meaty bones that properly abrade the teeth.

 

Principles for Supplementation: Correction of diet, using high-quality, whole foods if possible, with bones or hard material for chewing. Vitamins (especially Vitamin C), antioxidants, minerals and herbs may be helpful in strengthening periodontal tissue and preventing calculus and infection.

 

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Berbercap12	Cats: ½ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Antimicrobial.
Canine Geriatric Basics12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	General source of nutrients for older dogs.
CoQ30VET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs < 25 lb: 1 capsule sid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E.
CoQ100VET12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E.
CoQ-10 ST26	Cats and small dogs: 10-30 mg bid Medium dogs: 30-60 mg bid Large dogs: 60-90 mg bid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E.
Perio-Support8	1 tsp per meal	This product is designed to help control plaque formation and support gum health.
Small Animal Antioxidant12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid	Broad-spectrum antioxidants.
Supportive Care12	Cats: 1 capsule bid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb bid	Antioxidants.

 

Dental Disease: Gingivitis/Stomatitis (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

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Species affected: Cats, Dogs.

 

Background: Can be primary, from an infected tooth, or secondary to systemic illness.

 

Symptoms: Inflammation and swelling of the gums and mouth.

 

Diagnostics: Should include testing for viral and bacterial infections, immune-mediated disease, trauma, anatomic causes or nutritional deficiencies. If detected, these conditions should be corrected.

Special Notes: Local can be corrected with dentistry, while deeper illnesses may require more involved treatment plans.

Principles for Supplementation: Treatment of the local conditions with modern dentistry can be augmented with the addition of nutraceuticals, vitamins, herbs and minerals.

 

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Buffered C Powder12	Cats: 125 mg bid Dogs: 10 mg/lb bid	Stimulates phagocytic effect of leukocytes, nitrate scavenger, aids in synthesis of collagen and carnitine.
CoQ30VET12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs < 25 lb: 1 capsule sid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E. Helps resolve periodontal disease.
CoQ100VET12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E. Helps resolve periodontal disease.
CoQ-10 ST26	Cats and small dogs: 10-30 mg bid Medium dogs: 30-60 mg bid Large dogs: 60-90 mg bid	Present in mitochondria; essential factor in ATP production. Greatest need in metabolically active cells such as the heart, gingiva, immune system, lacrimal glands and gastric mucosa. Antioxidant and helps recycle vitamin E. Helps resolve periodontal disease.
Immugen12	Cats: ½ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Optimizes immune functions.
Perio-Support8	1 tsp per meal	This product is designed to help control plaque formation and support gum health.
Small Animal Antioxidant12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid	Antioxidants.
Supportive Care12	Cats: 1 capsule bid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb bid	Antioxidants.

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)