Effectiveness of feeding large kibbles with mechanical cleaning properties in cats with gingivitis
Vrieling, H.E.; Theyse, L.F.H.; van Winkelhoff, A.J.; Dijkshoorn, N.A.; Logan, E.I.; Picavet, P.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 130(5): 136-140
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-7453 PMID: 15773760 Document Number: 588063
Periodontal disease is the most common acquired oral disease in cats. It starts with plaque accumulation and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of kibble and teeth brushing after professional dental cleaning. The ratio of facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic bacteria was determined, and the amount of plaque and tartar and the severity of gingivitis were measured. 88 cats with gingivitis and tartar were randomly divided into four groups and given different treatments after professional dental cleaning. The dental treatments were: group 1, cats were fed on small kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities; group 2, cats were fed on small kibbles without mechanical cleaning qualities, and owners were instructed to brush the cats' teeth; group 3, cats were fed on large kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities; and group 4, cats were fed on the same kibbles as group 2, but owners were not asked to brush their cats' teeth. A supragingival plaque sample was taken and was used for bacteriological analysis scores for tartar, plaque, and gingivitis were determined at the initial presentation and at 3 and 6 months after professional dental cleaning. It was observed that cats fed on large kibbles with mechanical cleaning qualities (group 3) had significantly less gingivitis and tartar.