PLAQUE REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS OF A CHLORHEXIDINE CONTAINING DENTAL GEL IN BEAGLE DOGS
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a commercial, chlorhexidine-containing dental gel manufactured for pets (Parodongyl / Dentivet, Virbac, Inc) in plaque reduction when used in a standardized setting.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-two dogs were assigned into two groups (Parodongyl group and abrasive control group). All the dogs received a scaling/polishing, then twice daily gel application. At the end of the trial period plaque accumulation was scored.
Results: A student's t-test statistical analysis compared the means in treated and non-treated groups. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between mean scores for upper and lower jaws as well as for the whole mouth in the Parodongyl group as compared to the abrasive control.
Conclusion: Rubbing Parodongyl on tooth surfaces twice daily has been shown to significantly reduce plaque accumulation in the dog.