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Proceedings Excerpt
16th Annual
Veterinary Dental Forum
October 3 - 6, 2002
Savannah, GA
Home Care Products
Evaluating the Claims
Fraser Hale,
DVM, FAVD, Dip AVDC
There are also a variety of gels and rinses available which act as oral antiseptics. The most common
active ingredient in these products is chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is a non-specific antibacterial agent
as well as having some effect on fungus and viruses. There is a large body of research on the efficacy
of chlorhexidine as an antimicrobial agent. It acts by causing precipitation of the cytoplasmic contents
of the bacterium - a mechanism against which resistance cannot develop. While chlorhexidine has
been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis, it paradoxically can increase the rate of mineralization
plaque (calculus formation). Chlorhexidine also causes a brown staining on the teeth when used as a
rinse (can be polished off but looks terrible) and can cause a decrease in the sense of taste.
Chlorhexidine is likely best used as a pre-operative oral rinse and at home for the healing period
following professional treatment.
MAXI/GUARD
®
Oral Cleansing Gel is available as a gel and as a rinse. Both contain zinc and
ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Zinc is antibacterial and important for a healthy epithelium. Vitamin C is
important in the production of collagen, which is the main structural protein in gingiva. The gel is
tasteless and alcohol free and makes a nice oral anti-septic for the post-operative period. It has also
found a use as a plaque retardant in cats that will tolerate no other forms of home-care. The zinc is
relatively tasteless, the vitamin C, however, does increase salivation so some cats will froth and foam
a bit with MAXI/GUARD
®
.
