Alexander Reiter, Dr. med. vet., discusses periodontal disease in the context of what dogs and cats eat, chew on and drink. The studies referenced are supportive of dry diets, dental treats and toys adjunct to best care practices.
The gold standard for the management of periodontal disease is diagnosis and treatment under general anesthesia, followed by home oral hygiene (daily tooth brushing and proper nutrition).”
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, January/February 2020. Link. Oral health also improved significantly in cats and dogs fed a commercial dry diet compared with those fed a home-prepared diet. Larger kibble sizes allow the kibble to mechanically scrape the sides of the teeth as they penetrate it.
INSIGHTS: Most articles about managing periodontal disease start with treatment as a beginning point. Knowing what we know about proactive prevention measures, home care and nutrition should be the first line of defense, followed by treatment when those methods fail.
Also, in this issue see: