Dietary management of dental disease in the cat

DM Morgan, AJ Lepine, ER Cox

Dental disease is one of the most common problems affecting companion animals. It is the most common oral disease and a major reason for them to be presented at clinics. Periodontal disease includes both gingivitis (plaque induced inflammation) and periodontitis. Tooth brushing is effective in reducing plaque build-up but owner compliance towards this is very low. Plaque that is not removed can eventually be converted to dental calculus. Calculus can only be adequately removed by professional dental prophylaxis but its build-up can be reduced by specific dental diets.

Dietary formulations that maximize oral-health care through reducing plaque and calculus build-up, increased owner compliance, and addressing the masticatory habits of companion animals, are available. One strategy involves using a mechanical scraping action while the pet chews the food. Studies have shown a 19% reduction in plaque, and 32% reduction in calculus using such a diet in dogs. Mechanical abrasion from these specialized diets occurs where the food actually contacts the tooth surface.

Relatively new technology to companion animal foods allows for mineral sources of phosphorus, in the form of polyphosphates, to enhance the properties of the dry kibble (pellet). The polyphosphates coat the outer surface of the dry food.  Their benefit in dogs in reducing calculus build-up has already been demonstrated using both dry food and mouth-rinses. More recent studies have shown an average of 45% reduction of calculus build-up in cats. These enamel-safe minerals are used successfully in human dentifrices in helping reduce calculus build up.

There are two phases to the effect of food coated with polyphosphate crystals: 1. during chewing the hard food can help scrub away plaque 2. after chewing the polyphosphates embed into the plaque and help prevent calculus build-up through sequestering or complexing calcium within plaque forming soluble calcium complexes that diffuse into saliva. The benefit of the barrier approach is that polyphosphates can provide whole mouth benefits as they are released from the diet during mastication and are then carried throughout the oral cavity. The polyphosphates also provide benefits to non-chewing surfaces. The nutritional safety of polyphosphates is due to their conversion into orthophosphates which are utilized by the host. There is no detrimental effect on the nutritional value of the food as they make up part of the normal phosphorus dietary content.

Polyphosphates offer an alternative strategy in helping reduce calculus build-up in companion animals when applied to the surface of complete and balanced diets.