Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease starts with gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a biofilm containing thousands of bacteria, builds up on the surface of the teeth. When plaque is not regularly broken down with at-home dental care, a cat's immune system will mount a defense against the bacteria, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and painful. Over time, plaque mineralizes to form tartar or calculus which, in turn, attracts more plaque. Eventually, the gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, an irreversible condition that weakens the tissue attaching the teeth to the gums and causes teeth to loosen or fall out. Zymox Oratene Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Dental Gel: My cats liked the flavor of this dental gel and its enzymes should help prevent the buildup of bacteria and remove plaque. The manufacturer also advertises that their formula is extra-gentle, protecting mouth tissue against dryness — though I was unable to confirm this in my own testing. The product, however, has not undergone the process to earn a VOHC seal. Logic contains: an enzyme complex: amylase, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, potassium thiocyanate, lactoferrine, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase Dental treats: Delicious dental treats are a useful tool for maintaining a cat's oral health, according to Snyder and Moore. For dental treats to have an impact, they must be fed daily in the amount recommended by the manufacturer. They are also more effective when used in combination with daily toothbrushing and/or a daily dental water additive.

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Unlike human toothpaste, this, therefore, doesn’t need to be rinsed out and is safe to swallow, meaning it can clean and protect teeth for longer. It also means brushing is not essential, although it’s still recommended for best results. Avoiding Harmful Ingredients Pet:Essential Healthymouth Water Additive cleans teeth with bacteria-inhibiting enzymes and comes in more than two dozen flavors.Snyder told us that anesthesia-free dental cleaning has not been shown to be as effective or safe as an anesthetized veterinary dental cleaning. There are several major problems with the practice. Anesthesia-free cleanings are not typically performed by veterinary professionals and target only the exposed crown of the tooth, not the section beneath the gum line where problems usually develop. Because a cat remains awake during the procedure, x-rays cannot be taken and an anesthetized cat runs the risk of choking on loosened plaque or calculus. There is also a risk of accidentally cutting the gums with the sharp instruments that are used. Snyder also told us that cats who have distressing anesthesia-free cleanings may be less likely to tolerate tooth-brushing in the future.

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What exactly do we mean when we say enzymatic? Enzymes are biological molecules which help speed up the rate of chemical reactions in cells and are present in all living organisms.Christopher Snyder, DVM, clinical associate professor and founding fellow, AVDC oral and maxillofacial surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine , Madison, Wisconsin Over time your dog’s teeth can have a buildup of plaque, very much like our own would if we did not brush them. Bad breath is often the first sign of oral hygiene problems and It is estimated that 80% of all dogs and cats over three years of age have dental disease. Pros: VOHC-accepted, can be used on a toothbrush or spread by finger, contains minerals to boost tooth enamel, human-grade, free of BPAs and parabens

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Daily use of a feline toothpaste or gel is a cat's best defense against periodontal disease. Even when just smeared on a pet's teeth and gums with the finger, a veterinary-approved toothpaste can be beneficial. "It works not as well as teeth brushing, but it works better than not doing it at all," said veterinarian Andrea Moore, medical director at VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital in San Jose, California. Pros: VOHC-accepted; shown to reduce plaque by more than 85% in clinical trials; contains ingredients with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties and omega 3-rich salmon oilIngredients and known efficacy: I analyzed the ingredients list of each of the cat dental products and noted those typically considered beneficial for dental care. I also kept an eye out for ingredients that may be considered harmful to cats. However, I did not make any decisions based on ingredient lists alone, something Snyder recommends against.