# A pilot study on the novel use of an ultrasonic toothbrush in dogs: limited effect on dental calculus following a single treatment

## TL;DR

A study found that an ultrasonic toothbrush had limited effectiveness in removing dental calculus from dogs after a single session.

## Contribution

This is the first pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of an ultrasonic toothbrush for dental calculus removal in dogs.

## Key findings

- No visible reduction in dental calculus was observed in live dogs after a single ultrasonic toothbrush session.
- Only two out of ten teeth in specimens showed sufficient calculus reduction after extended ultrasonic brushing.
- Stress levels in dogs during brushing were low but varied between teeth types.

## Abstract

Dental calculus is common in dogs and contributes to periodontal disease by promoting plaque accumulation. While daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for prevention, the gold standard for calculus removal is professional dental cleaning under anesthesia at a veterinary clinic. Ultrasonic toothbrushes are marketed as alternatives for single-session calculus removal while the dog is awake; however, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for this purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single ultrasonic toothbrush session for canine dental calculus removal. The study consisted of two parts. In part one, beagle dogs with confirmed dental calculus underwent a single session of ultrasonic toothbrush application on the maxillary canine and maxillary fourth premolar, with six minutes per tooth. Stress levels were assessed using the FAS scale (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress). In part two, teeth with dental calculus from specimens were treated with the ultrasonic toothbrush for up to 40 min per tooth. A blinded assessor evaluated dental calculus index pre- and post-treatment.

No visible reduction in calculus was observed in the dogs. Stress during brushing was low (< 2 out of 5 on FAS-scale) and significantly lower (P < 0.05) for canine teeth compared to the fourth premolar. Among the specimens, 7 out of 10 teeth lost small pieces of calculus during mechanical dislodgement with a fingernail after 6–28 min of ultrasonic toothbrush treatment; however, only two teeth showed sufficient reduction to lower the calculus index.

Ultrasonic toothbrushes show no significant impact on dental calculus removal as claimed by service providers. While extended use on a single area (> 10 min) may slightly weaken calculus, its clinical relevance is minimal. These brushes are effective for daily prevention of calculus formation but not for its removal once formed. Professional dental cleaning at a veterinary clinic is recommended to address calculus and ensure other dental issues are not overlooked.