EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF EXTRUDED BISCUIT COATED WITH SODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE ON PRE-EXISTING PLAQUE AND DENTAL CALCULUS IN DOGS.

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of consuming a sodium pyrophosphate coated extruded biscuit of high density and hardness on the reduction of pre-existing dental plaque and calculus in dogs. The dogs were divided into two groups of 14 dogs each, the test group and control group, divided in relation to the periodontal disease severity and the body weight. Animals in the control group received only dry food and water. The dogs in the test group received the biscuit being tested and the same dry food. The experimental period lasted four weeks. The test biscuit was produced by extrusion and coated with 0.6% sodium pyrophosphate. At the end of the experiment, an average reduction of 18.9% was found in the Dental Calculus Index CI) in the test group (p<0.01). During the experimental period, the CI value remained the same in the control group. Although there was no statistical difference, a 4.5% reduction in the Bacterial Plaque Index was found in the test group, while a 10.8 % increase occurred in the control group. From the data reported here it could be concluded that consumption of this extruded biscuit can help in reducing preformed supragingival dental calculus. KEY WORDS: Dental plaque. Dental calculus. Sodium pyrophosphate. Dog.