Pilot study of the effectiveness of a xylitol-based drinking water additive to reduce plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs.

Over a period of 208 days a randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to assess plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs provided with a xylitol-based drinking water additive. A crossover design was utilized allowing each dog to participate in each 90-day treatment and control phase. Inclusion of a xylitol drinking water additive resulted in a 5.1% decrease in mean tooth plaque score and a 14.9% decrease in mean calculus score. Daily administration of a palatable, xylitol drinking water additive that required little time and effort reduced plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs. Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.