Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 10, 1994 TAG: 9404070059
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Karen Davis
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Not to worry. A new mouthrinse for mutts may mean the end to his doggie breath.
It's called Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer, a product that actually started out as a mouthrinse for humans. Product claims state that the pet deodorizer is non-toxic, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.
Dr. Tim Banker, a veterinary dentist in Greensboro, N.C., said the product's active ingredient, Oxygene, is a powerful deodorizer that, when put in the pet's drinking water, "chemically changes some compounds that cause bad breath."
Bad breath, he explained, is caused by gas-creating micro-organisms that hide around the gumline. The bad-breath gases also damage the gums, therefore, breaking down the compounds with the mouthrinse.
The Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer was developed by Spokane, Wash.-based Oxyfresh USA, a distributor of personal-hygiene products for humans. The pet product is flavorless, so pets don't seem to notice it when added to water, Banker said.
Using a mouthrinse alone is not the total answer to your pet's good dental health, Banker stressed. "It's equivalent to a person using a mouthrinse without ever brushing, but it's far better than doing nothing.
"Just using the mouthrinse can mean an improvement in the health of the gums," he said, "but it is no substitute for cleaning and polishing the teeth and getting your pet on a good oral hygiene program" with regular check-ups.
A well-rounded oral hygiene program includes brushing your pet's teeth at least twice a week. Cavities aren't common in pets, but plaque is about as big a problem as it is in people. It builds up on the teeth and hardens into ugly, brown tartar. Over time, tartar irritates and inflames the gums, causing them to gradually recede.
If neglected long enough, the process leads to gingivitis, periodontal disease and loose teeth. Bacteria from sore, infected gums may leak into the bloodstream and cause infections elsewhere in the body.
Unlike people, your pet can't tell you when his teeth hurt. So be alert to signs of dental problems. Bad breath is one. Difficulty eating, weight loss, visible tartar build-up, red or bleeding gums, and loose or discolored teeth are other symptoms of poor dental health.
A professional teeth cleaning and scaling at the veterinarian's office requires that the pet be anesthetized, but is important for removing tartar and plaque buildup. Afterward, owners are encouraged to follow-up with weekly rinsings or brushings.
Many veterinarians recommend a total dry-food diet for dogs and cats, because the grinding action helps scour teeth clean. Hard nylon chew toys and dog biscuits are also beneficial because of their chewing action. Nylon rope toys function somewhat like dental floss as the dog plays tug-of-war with his owner.
You already know how important taking care of your teeth is. The same is true for your pet. You can virtually assure yourself of your pet's good oral health if you follow a routine dental care program with periodic check-ups.
Ask your veterinarian what oral hygiene products he or she recommends. For information on the aforementioned Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer, call (800) 999-9551, extension 223, or 639-2136.
by CNB