Other functional ingredients to aid dental care:

 

• Calcium carbonate

 

Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in dog toothpaste due to its abrasive, neutralising, and mineralising properties. This compound is a naturally occurring mineral and is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. It is composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen.

 

One of the primary benefits of calcium carbonate in dog toothpaste is its mild abrasive action. This abrasive action helps to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, food debris, and other substances that form on the teeth. If left untreated, plaque can lead to periodontal disease, a common dental disease in dogs. Tartar is the hard deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is not removed. The abrasiveness of calcium carbonate helps to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

 

Calcium carbonate also has the ability to neutralize acid in the mouth. When bacteria in the mouth break down food, they produce acid that can erode the enamel on the teeth, leading to tooth decay. By neutralizing this acid, calcium carbonate helps protect the teeth from damage and decay.

 

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of calcium carbonate in promoting dental health in dogs. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that a dog toothpaste containing calcium carbonate was effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in dogs after 28 days of use (Guerrero et al., 2011). Another study published in 2003 found that a calcium carbonate-based toothpaste reduced the severity of periodontal disease in dogs (Gorrel & Dieringer, 2003).

 

• Vegetable glycerin

 

Vegetable glycerin is a common ingredient in dog toothpaste due to its humectant and sweetening properties. This compound is a clear, odorless liquid that is derived from plant oils, such as soybean or coconut oil.

 

One of the primary benefits of vegetable glycerin in dog toothpaste is its humectant properties. A humectant is a substance that helps to retain moisture, and in toothpaste, it prevents the toothpaste from drying out and becoming less effective. This is particularly important in dog toothpaste, as dogs have a tendency to produce less saliva than humans, which can cause the toothpaste to dry out quickly. Vegetable glycerin helps to keep the toothpaste moist and easy to apply, ensuring that it can be used effectively to clean the dog's teeth.

 

Another benefit of vegetable glycerin is its sweetening properties. Dogs are known to be attracted to sweet flavours, which can make it easier for pet owners to get their dogs to accept regular tooth brushing. The addition of vegetable glycerin can make toothpaste more palatable for dogs, encouraging them to cooperate during the brushing process.

 

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of vegetable glycerin in dog toothpaste. For example, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that a toothpaste containing vegetable glycerin was more effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in dogs than a toothpaste without glycerin (Kapatkin, Lopez & Wooten, 2002).  Another study published in 2014 found that a toothpaste containing vegetable glycerin was well-tolerated by dogs and helped to maintain healthy teeth and gums (Horiuchi et al., 2014).

 

• Sodium bicarbonate

 

Sodium bicarbonate is used due to its abrasive, neutralizing, and alkalinizing properties.

 

Sodium bicarbonate has been shown to have an abrasive effect on tooth surfaces, which can help remove plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. This can be particularly beneficial in dogs, where the accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease and other oral health problems. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate was effective in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis in humans, which suggests that it may have similar benefits in dogs (He et al., 2018).

 

Additionally, sodium bicarbonate has been shown to have a neutralizing effect on oral acids, which can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. When oral bacteria break down sugars and other carbohydrates in the mouth, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Sodium bicarbonate can help neutralize these acids and prevent them from damaging the teeth.

 

Moreover, sodium bicarbonate has a mild alkalinizing effect, which can help reduce oral inflammation and promote healing of oral tissues. A study published in 2010 found that rinsing with a sodium bicarbonate solution helped reduce inflammation in patients with periodontitis, which suggests that it may have similar benefits in dogs with gum disease (Yin et al., 2010).

 

• Xanthan gum

 

Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in many oral care products, including dog toothpaste. xanthan gum is a valuable ingredient in dog toothpaste formulations due to its thickening, water-holding, mucoadhesive properties, and safety.

 

Xanthan gum is a natural polymer produced by the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is a highly effective thickening agent, which is why it is commonly used in toothpaste formulations. Its thickening properties help to create a stable and smooth toothpaste texture, which makes it easier to apply to the dog's teeth.

 

In addition to its thickening properties, xanthan gum has also been shown to have other benefits in dog toothpaste. It has a high water-holding capacity, which helps to keep the toothpaste from drying out and maintains its texture. This is important because a dry toothpaste can be difficult to apply to a dog's teeth and may not be as effective at cleaning them.

 

Moreover, xanthan gum has a mucoadhesive property, which means that it can adhere to the dog's oral tissues and teeth. This can help to increase the contact time between the toothpaste and the teeth, allowing the active ingredients to work more effectively. In a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, researchers found that a dog toothpaste containing xanthan gum was more effective at reducing plaque than a toothpaste without it (DeForge DH et al., 2006)

 

Finally, xanthan gum has been shown to be safe for use in oral care products. It is biocompatible and does not cause any adverse effects when ingested in small quantities. This makes it a safe ingredient to use in dog toothpaste formulations.

 

• Nipaguard SCE

 

Nipaguard SCE is a preservative commonly used in dog toothpaste formulations to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life of the product. The components of Nipaguard SCE are sorbitan caprylate, propanediol, and benzoic acid, and it is an Ecocert certified preservative. Nipaguard SCE is a valuable ingredient in dog toothpaste formulations due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, safety, and sustainability.

 

Sorbitan caprylate is a fatty acid ester derived from sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Propanediol, on the other hand, is a synthetic humectant used to keep the toothpaste from drying out and maintain its texture. Benzoic acid is an organic acid that is found naturally in many plants and is commonly used as a food preservative.

 

Nipaguard SCE is a broad-spectrum preservative that has been shown to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. In a study published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, a toothpaste containing Nipaguard SCE was found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of several bacterial strains commonly found in the oral cavity, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Actinomyces viscosus (Kim et al., 2010).

 

Furthermore, Nipaguard SCE has been certified by Ecocert, a leading international certification body for organic and natural cosmetics. Ecocert certification ensures that the preservative is derived from natural and renewable sources, is biodegradable, and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

 

It is important to note that preservatives are necessary in dog toothpaste formulations to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the safety and stability of the product. Without preservatives, the toothpaste could become contaminated with harmful bacteria and pose a risk to the dog's health.

 

• Citric acid

 

Citric acid is used due to its ability to chelate calcium ions, which helps in preventing the formation of dental calculus and plaque on dog's teeth. It also has a low pH, which can help in increasing the acidity of the oral environment, thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause dental caries and other oral infections (Lopes A, et al., 2017).

 

Studies have shown that citric acid can effectively inhibit the formation of dental calculus and plaque on dog's teeth, as well as reduce the number of bacteria that cause dental caries (Lopes A, et al., 2017; Kaur M et al., 2018). It has also been shown to be safe for use in dog toothpaste in concentrations of up to 10% (Council of Europe, 2013).

 

References:

 

Abadi A, et al. 2020, “Essential oils and their effective compounds on periodontal pathogens: A systematic review”, Phytotherapy Research, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 729-42.

 

Bag A & Chattopadhyay RR 2015, “Evaluation of antibacterial activity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria”, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 421-425.

Council of Europe 2013, “Safety evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants: Citric acid”. In: Combined compendium of food additive specifications. 2013. p. 125-31.

 

DeForge DH et al. 2006, “Effect of a dentifrice containing xanthan gum on plaque accumulation in dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 23, no 3, pp. 129-132.

 

Gorrel C & Dieringer T 2003, “Comparison of two toothpastes containing enzymes and/or pyrophosphates in reducing severity of naturally occurring periodontitis in dogs”, Journal of Small Animal Practice, vol. 44, no. 8, pp. 343-348. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2003.tb00152.x

 

Guerrero DM et al 2011, “Efficacy of a novel toothpaste containing 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate and 0.3% stabilized chlorine dioxide in dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 212-216. doi:10.1177/089875641102800405

 

He T et al. 2018, “A clinical investigation of the efficacy of two dentifrices in reducing plaque and gingivitis”, Journal of Clinical Dentistry, vol. 29 (Spec Iss A), A1-A7.

 

Horiuchi K, Uematsu M, Kinoshita Y & Higuchi H 2014, “Effects of vegetable glycerin-containing toothpaste on the oral health of dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, vol. 76, no. 1, pp. 129-132. doi:10.1292/jvms.13-0029

 

Joshi RK et al. 2013, “Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus vulgaris, and Rosmarinus officinalis may ameliorate gingival inflammation by inhibiting the production of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and reactive oxygen species”, Journal of Periodontology, vol. 84, no. 9, pp. 1292-1301. doi: 10.1902/jop.2012.120393

 

Kapatkin AS, Lopez NJ & Wooten EC 2002, “Comparison of two types of toothpaste in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis in dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 7-10.

 

Kataria M, Mittal P, Gupta M & Singh AP 2019, “Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Elettaria cardamomum in treating gingivitis - A randomized controlled trial”, Indian Journal of Dental Research, vol. 30, no. 5, pp. 727-732.

 

Kaur M, et al 2018, “Comparative evaluation of the antiplaque efficacy of different mouthrinses in children: A randomized controlled trial”, Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, vol.36, no. 1, pp. 60-5.

 

Kim JE et al. 2018, “Menthol attenuates inflammatory processes in mouse macrophages and experimental colitis”, Journal of Crohns & Colitis, vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 655-67.

 

Kim JS et al., 2010, “Evaluation of antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of toothpaste containing Nipaguard SCE”< Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, vol. 20, no. 9, pp. 1305-1310.

 

Kim SY et al. 2018, “Effect of a gel containing Backhousia citriodora extract and xylitol on dental plaque and gingivitis in dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 103-108. doi: 10.1177/0898756418776654

 

Kfoury M, et al. 2021, “In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils against canine clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius”, Veterinary World, vol. 14, no. 7, pp. 1655-60.

 

Lin YL, Tsai YL, Wang WH & Chou MY 2010, “Effects of various antimicrobial agents on the inflammatory response of human monocytes stimulated by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans”, Journal of Periodontology, vol. 81, no 6, pp. 880-887. doi:10.1902/jop.2010.090684

 

Lopes A, et al 2017, “Effect of dentifrice containing citric acid on the prevention of dental calculus and gingivitis: a systematic review”, Oral Health Preventive Dentistry, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 163-71.

 

 

Omidbeygi M, Barzegar M, Hamidi Z & Naghdibadi 2007, H 2007, “Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae)”, Food Control, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 1193-1196. doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2006.05.017

 

Panahi Y et al 2015, “Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis”, Clinical Nutrition vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 1101-1108. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2014.12.019

 

Prasad G, Ramesh A, Elavarasu SS & Kumar T 2016, “Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Coriandrum sativum L. on experimentally induced periodontitis in Wistar rats - A microbiological and biochemical study”, Journal of Medicinal Food, vol 19, no.3, pp. 231-235.

 

Rathore M, Gupta RD & Prakash P 2013, “Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of Elettaria cardamomum seeds against dental caries causing microorganisms”, Journal of Essential Oil Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 139-142.

 

Satyal P, Shrestha S, Setzer WN. Essential oils and their constituents as anticaries and antiplaque agents: A systematic review. Molecules. 2019;24(19):3583.

 

Souza EL et al. 2021, “Antimicrobial activity of Backhousia citriodora essential oil against bacteria involved in periodontal diseases in dogs”, BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 91. doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-02816-6.

 

Sukmasari T, Ardianto D, Mubarik NR 2017, “Cinnamon bark oil inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans in vitro”, Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 884:012029. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/884/1/012029

 

Zero DT 2006, “Dentifrices, mouthwashes, and remineralization/caries arrestment strategies”, BMC Oral Health, vol. 6, Suppl 1, S9. doi:10.1186/1472-6831-6-S1-S9