Oral care support from vitamin action

Oral disease an on-going concern During the last century, there has been a world-wide surge of interest in veterinary dentistry. Interstitial gingivitis or so-called pyorrhoea alveolaris” was reported in dogs as far back as 1899. In 1939 the prevalence of dental disease and requirement for surgical intervention in dogs was also reported. Dental disease is certainly not a new “modern” problem in our dogs or our cats. Infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth, seen in periodontal disease, are caused by plaque, a sticky surface deposit comprised of bacteria, sugar and food residue and the formation of calculus or tartar, which is mineralised plaque. The problem starts when yellowish brown plaque and calculus are allowed to build up on an animal’s teeth. In the absence of regular cleaning, it is within a few days that plaque attracts calcium salts and becomes mineralised. As plaque matures, gingivitis develops into periodontitis characterized by increased mobility of teeth, concurrent gingivitis and sub-gingival calculus. Untreated this can result in bad breath (halitosis), bleeding and inflammation of the gums, receding gums and the eventual loss of teeth. Halitosis due to periodontal disease is caused by plaque bacteria, which are attracted to the tooth surface within eight hours after teeth cleaning. Without adequate oral care the bacteria change from somewhat irritating strains to bone destroying types that produce hydrogen sulphide causing halitosis and pain. Such bacterial loads A Breath of Fresh Air