Review & Giveaway: How to Care for Your Dog's Teeth Without Brushing with Oratene®

You are hanging out with your best friend (your dog, of course. Who else?). You look at them and they go in to give you a kiss. That breath! When did it get that bad?! You know your dog better than anyone. If their breath smells off or if they aren't chewing food like they used to, it's time for a dental check-up with your veterinarian.

February is Pet Dental Health Month - Not paying attention to your dog's teeth can cause major issues in the long run, so using a brushless product like Oratene® can be a real smile saver. We actually have been using this product for many years so we are happy to dig in and explain how it works and the importance of getting dental check-ups.

The most common dental conditions are Canine Gingivitis Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the tooth and is no laughing matter especially when the infection can spread to other parts of the body like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Plus, by the time the dog's owner notices their dog has bad breath, it is likely that the damage is already done.

So what causes it?

Plaque is the colorless, slimy, film of bacteria that we feel on our own teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that sticks to the enamel of the tooth. Even if you see tartar on the outside of your dog's teeth, this isn't what causes periodontal disease, it is when the tartar starts going under the gum line. The tartar starts eating away at the roots of the teeth causing all kinds of havoc which we see commonly as loose teeth or receding gums, but could cause even worse damage like bone loss or infection in the jaws.

So how do we prevent dental disease?

Brushing your dog's teeth daily with specific toothpaste for dogs with a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal, but does take a lot of time and effort when it comes to both you and your dog. Not all dogs are keen on having their teeth brushed and I even I admit to brushing every other week. Toys and treats can provide a mechanical action to scrub off plaque and tartar for those heavy chewers as well.

But is there a way we can provide daily preventative care for our pup's dental health in addition or in lieu to brushing?

Introducing, Oratene®!

The history of Oratene starts with Michael C. Pellico who is the president of Laclede Inc. Pellico. He developed the Lactoperoxidase Enzyme System (LP3) which is used in the oral healthcare product line for humans with dry mouth, Biotene®. Yup! That Biotene.

(Source)

So what is this LP3 system?

The enzymes and proteins used are lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme which are found and naturally derived from milk. Lactoperoxidase provides antibacterial properties when combined with hydrogen peroxide while Lysozyme is a nifty enzyme that destroys the cell walls of bacteria. Lactoferrin removes iron from bacteria which is needed for growth. Combined, these three pack a powerful punch destroying and preventing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and even fungi.

Pellico, also the chemist behind C.E.T.® and Petrodex® for pet oral care, knew that the LP3 system would be very effective if applied to pet oral care. He worked with his sister, Pamela Bosco, the president of Pet King Brands (also the makers of ZYMOX which also uses the LP3 system) to develop the Biotene Veterinarian line. This would be the first brushless oral care system for pets with patented dual enzyme systems that would eliminate bacteria and plaque biofilm. GlaxoSmithKline now owns the Biotene line so Oratene became the new name for the pet line by Pet King Brands.

What's the mutanase and dextranase enzyme system (MD2)?

This is another patented enzyme system included in Oratene which makes plaque biofilm water-soluble and prevents it from binding to the surface of your dog's teeth in the first place. 

So Oratene's Brushless Oral Care system uses these enzymes systems to manage the bacteria in your pet's mouth by removing and preventing the bad bacteria which increases the good.

Now that we know how they work, let's take a look at a couple of Oratene's oral care pet products...

Oratene Water Additive

Ingredients: Glycerin, Sorbitol, Purified Water, Potassium Sorbate, Rosemary Extract, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lactoperoxidase, Mutanase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, Glucose Oxidase, Dextranase, Potassium Thiocyanate.

Directions: Shake well, add 2 pumps per approx. 1 qt. (4 cups) of drinking water, stir mixture thoroughly. Replace water daily.

The ingredients list is pretty short and straight forward. Glycerin is a thickener, sorbitol is a sugar alcohol similar to xylitol but not toxic. Potassium Sorbate and Rosemary extract are both used as preservatives. You have salt and other chemical compounds, and even Glucose oxidase which has anti-bacterial properties.

I have actually been using the water additive for many years now and it is incredibly easy to use and gives me peace of mind that even if I'm not able to brush every day, that I'm doing something for my dog's dental health.

The genius part of Oratene Water Additive is that it goes in the water and doesn't have any noticeable difference. I've tried other types of water additive products before and my dogs were always hesitant because there would be a different smell or flavor. Opening up the bottle of Oratene there isn't a strong smell, only a very faint sweet smell. 

I use the water additive in our bedroom where we have a small water bowl so I can easily add more on a regular basis. Some things to note is that it is safe to use with cats too, so if you have a communal water bowl all pets can benefit. Also, do not use it in water fountains as it will gunk up the system and just become a mess. Trust me, I would know!

Let's look at another way to get those enzymes in your dog's mouth...

Oratene Toothpaste Gel

Ingredients: Glyceryl Methacrylate, Polyglycitol, Sorbitol, Cellulose Gum, Dextrose, Mutanase, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, Glucose Oxidase, Potassium Thiocyanate, Aloe Vera, Dextranase

Directions: Apply about a 1/2" strip to gums once or twice daily. Best if used in the morning, at night or after meals. For optimal oral health, use in conjunction with ZYMOX Oratene Breath Freshener and Water Additive.

Again, we have our handy dandy enzymes, Glyceryl Methacrylate is used in gels, Polyglycitol is a sugar alcohol, Cellulose Gum has many handy uses for the product itself, Potassium Thiocyanate is a salt, and Aloe Vera has many uses as well.

Pet King Brands told me that both the toothpaste gel and the water additive are the same formula but a different way to administer them. What's great is that there are no worries when it comes to accidentally overdosing with Oratene. It is recommended to use all the products to increase the times the beneficial enzymes are administered and thus the effectiveness of the product.

Jada really enjoyed the Toothpaste Gel! It was really easy to administer since all I had to do was put some on my finger and rub it on her gums. Brushless and easy! I plan to use this after I brush her teeth to get in the crevices that I can't get to with a toothbrush. Bailey is more of a sensitive soul who doesn't like anyone to mess with her, so this is particularly useful!

In a Nutshell...

• Dental care for dogs is very important for many reasons, one being that issues with the teeth can cause more medical problems throughout the body
• Daily brushing is important, but not always possible or practical considering the dog or owner.
• Oratene® is brushless oral care for dogs and cats. 
• This product line works thanks to two patented enzyme systems which work to remove harmful bacteria and maintain good oral flora in your pet's mouth
• There are multiple ways to administer Oratene such as the Water Additive and Toothpaste Gel.

Pet Dental Health is extremely important and I'm thrilled that there is a product out there that can make it easier to keep your dog healthy. Oratene is super useful for both the pet owner who just physically cannot brush their dog's teeth, or do brush their dog's teeth but want even more peace of mind. From the dogs who let you brush every day to the ones who want nothing to do with a toothbrush, Oratene can help!

"I'm all smiles when it comes to Oratene!" -Jada

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We are also having a giveaway!

Three readers will win a tube of Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel (ARV $10.99)

(18+, Contiguous U.S. Only. Ends 2/27/20 at 11:59 PM EST)

(By entering the giveaway below, you agree to the Official Rules)

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