Dental Home Care (Advertorial)

Dental disease is the most common pet health problem, with data showing that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some level of disease by age 2¹.

The key to controlling dental disease is plaque. This biofilm consisting of saliva, bacteria and food particles sticks to teeth and accumulates. It is important to ensure clients know that dental care is a two-step process involving both professional and home care.

What is the best home care regimen?

The goal of home care is to reduce the amount of plaque. Brushing a pet’s teeth daily has been shown to be the most effective way to mechanically remove plaque, however we know pet owners often find brushing difficult. In one clinical study, Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d performed significantly better than tooth brushing in preventing gingivitis in cats. One of the main drivers of this difference was hypothesised to be client compliance.²

What dental diet should I recommend?

One thing to look for when recommending a dental diet is the VOHC seal. The VOHC is a group of veterinary dentists and dentistry scientists that review studies conducted on dental products for cats and dogs and award a Seal of Acceptance for the control of plaque, tartar or both. Hill's Prescription Diet t/d has been awarded the VOHC seal for the control of plaque and tartar for both cats and dogs*. In fact, the first VOHC Seal of Acceptance was awarded in June 1998, to Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dog.

How does Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d work?

Hill’s t/d is clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar and stain and clean up to the gumline.^3,4,5 Most dry kibble shatters and crumbles in the mouth when the tooth comes into contact with the food. Hill’s t/d has an innovative kibble designed to work like a toothbrush as the pet eats. The unique combination of kibble size, shape and interlocking fibre technology allows the tooth to penetrate deeply into the kibble before it breaks. The kibble gently scrubs the tooth surface to clean teeth as the pet eats.

Dental home care regimens that are easy to comply with, like Hill’s t/d, play a key role in optimum dental health for our patients.

*Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care also has the VOHC seal for the control of plaque and tartar for cats and dogs.

References:

1. Niemiec B, Gawor J, Nemec A et al. WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines JSAP 2020;61:E50
2. Vrieling HE et al. Effectiveness of feeding large kibbles with mechanical cleaning properties to cats with gingivitis. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2005;130:136-140
3. Jensen LJ et al. Reduction in Accumulation of Plaque, Stain, and Calculus in Dogs by Dietary Means. J Vet Dent 1995;12(4):161-163
4. Logan EI et al. Effects of a Dental Food on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Health in Dogs. J Vet Dent 2002; 19(1):15 –18
5. Hill’s Pet Nutrition Data on File 2011, 2020