Potential benefits of yeast Saccharomyces and their derivatives in dogs and cats: a review.

Yeast Saccharomyces and its derivatives have been largely used in livestock and poultry nutrition for their potential positive impact on growth, performance, and general health. Originally included in animal diets as a source of protein, yeasts can also offer a wide range of by-products with interesting bioactive compounds that would confer uses beyond nutrition. Although its supplementation in livestock, poultry and even in humans is well documented, the available body of literature on the use of yeast and its derivatives in companion animals' food, mainly dogs and cats' diets, is still developing. Despite this, gut microbiota modulation, immune system enhancement or decreasing of potentially pathogenic microorganisms have been reported in pets when using these products, highlighting their possible role as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. This review attempts to provide the reader with a comprehensive on the effects of Saccharomyces and its derivatives in pets and the possible mechanisms that confer their functional properties.

Fine cassava fibre utilization as a dietary fibre source for dogs: Effects on kibble characteristics, diet digestibility and palatability, faecal metabolites and microbiota.

The objective was to evaluate through three experiments the effects of a fine cassava fibre (CA: 106 µm) on kibble characteristics, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, diet palatability and faecal metabolites and microbiota of dogs. Dietary treatments consisted of a control diet (CO), without an added fibre source and with 4.3% total dietary fibre (TDF), and a diet with 9.6% CA (106 µm), with 8.4% TDF. Experiment I evaluated the physical characteristics of the kibbles. The palatability test was evaluated in experiment II, which compared the diets CO versus CA. In experiment III, 12 adult dogs were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary treatments for 15 days, totalling six replicates/treatment, to assess the CTTAD of macronutrients; faecal characteristics, faecal metabolites and microbiota. The expansion index, kibble size and friability of diets with CA were higher than the CO (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CA diet presented higher palatability than the CO (p < 0.05) but did not affect CTTAD except for those of fibre (p > 0.05). Moreover, a greater faecal concentration of acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a lower faecal concentration of phenol, indole and isobutyrate were observed in dogs fed the CA diet (p < 0.05). Dogs fed with the CA diet presented a greater bacterial diversity and richness and a greater abundance of genera considered to be beneficial for gut health, such as Blautia, Faecalibacterium and Fusobacterium when compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 9.6% of a fine CA improves the expansion of kibbles and diet palatability without affecting most of the CTTAD of nutrients. Besides, it improves the production of some SCFA and modulates the faecal microbiota of dogs.

Evaluation of postprandial glycemic response in rats (Wistar) fed with different starch sources.

The consumption of readily digestible starch sources, such as corn, can negatively impact endocrine disorders related to hyperglycaemia in predisposing animals. In this sense, starch sources containing slowly digestible and resistant fractions can assist glycemic control. The present study analyzed the postprandial glycemic response and blood variables of rats fed with four extruded diets containing corn, brown rice, sweet potato and pea as the main starch source. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (90 days old) were divided into groups of eight animals each. The rats received one of the experimental diets for 30 days according to a completely randomised design. The glycemia was measured on the 29th and 30th days. The glycemia measured on the 29th day was analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after oral administration of 50% glucose solution. On the 30th day, the same protocol was repeated after providing 3 g of the experimental diet for each animal to obtain the glycemic curve. After the euthanasia on the 30th day, 7 ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture for glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases analysis. Diets with pea and sweet potato provided lower glycemic index, average and maximum glycemia, and glycemic increment in relation to the other starch sources (p < 0.05). Animals fed with the corn diet had higher serum concentrations of triglycerides and HBA1c than the other treatments (p < 0.05). Results demonstrated that pea and sweet potato are interesting starch sources for the control of metabolic disorders related to glycemia.

Effects of two dietary fiber levels on nutrient digestibility and intestinal fermentation products in captive brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba).

Herbivorous primates present a selective consumption profile and morphological adaptations to use the fibrous fraction of their diets. Brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba) are generalist herbivores; however, when kept under human care, they usually receive diets rich in fruits and with insufficient amounts of fiber. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in howlers on apparent total tract digestibility coefficients (ATTDC), fecal consistency, and intestinal fermentation products. A group of 26 adult howler monkeys, 13 males and 13 females, were fed two diets formulated to have 33% or 40% NDF for 11 days, according to a randomized block design (N = 26). The block factor was the enclosures with one, two, or three individuals (each enclosure corresponded to an experimental unit), totaling in eight replicates per treatment. There were no differences in dry matter and nutrients intake between treatments (p > 0.05). The diet with 33% NDF resulted in higher (p < 0.05) ATTDC of crude protein and crude energy. However, lower fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and dry matter were observed in the treatment with 33% NDF in contrast to the 40% NDF group (p < 0.05). We recommend the inclusion of higher fiber levels (40% NDF) in the diet of howler monkeys since there is evidence of greater production of SCFA and improvement in fecal consistency.

Solar photon-Fenton process eliminates free plasmid DNA harboring antimicrobial resistance genes from wastewater.

This work aimed to assess the elimination and inactivation of resistance-conferring plasmids (RCPs) present in suspension in secondary wastewater by solar photo-Fenton as these are important vectors for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Experiments were performed in synthetic secondary wastewater (SWW) and municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (MWWTPE). Solar photo-Fenton (50 mg L-1 of H2O2 and 30 mg L-1 of Fe2+) was carried out for 60 min at neutral pH by applying the intermittent iron addition strategy. The removal of RCPs was assessed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The transformation of competent non-resistant E. coli was used to evaluate the inactivation of target RCPs harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to ampicillin (pSB1A2) or kanamycin (pSB1K3) after treatment and controls. Solar photo-Fenton completely removed RCPs initially present in both matrixes (SWW and MWWTPE), showing enhanced performance compared to the dark Fenton process. Both RCPs were inactivated after 30 min of solar photo-Fenton treatment, while 60 min were necessary to achieve the same effect for the dark Fenton reaction under similar conditions. These results indicate the potential of solar photo-Fenton to improve wastewater quality and reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment by hampering the discharge of cell-free RCPs present in suspension in MWWTP onto environmental waters.

County-level correlates of dental service utilization for low income pregnant women. Ecologic study of the North Carolina Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program.

BACKGROUND: Dental care utilization for low income pregnant women is met with challenges in the traditional dentist-centered model of care. County-level measures provide insights for policy and roles for stakeholders that extend beyond the dentist-patient relationship. We examined county-level data to generate hypotheses about factors that influence utilization of dental services in North Carolina's Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program. METHODS: County-level Medicaid utilization data for dental services for 2014-2016 were pooled to get mean county estimates of dental utilization in the MPW program. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models of dental utilization and county-level measures are presented. Data used were collected by NC Child and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's County Health Rankings Reports. USDA Economic Research Service data were used to categorize counties in terms of Farming, Recreation, Persistent Poverty, and metro/non-metro status using Rural Urban Continuum Codes. RESULTS: Dental utilization ranged from 1-26% with a median of 8.5% across the 100 counties of North Carolina. Strong patterns linking utilization of dental services in the MPW program to contextual social measures of well-being emerged, specifically, increased reporting of child abuse and neglect, elevated infant mortality, poor quality of life, and worse ranking in years of potential life lost. Counties with persistent poverty had lower rates of dental utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of dental services in the MPW program is generally low. Patterns identify the potential for enhancing community-clinical linkages to improve birth outcomes and care coordination for pregnant women to enhance dental utilization in this population. Dental coverage in the Medicaid program in most states is administered separately from medical coverage. The separation of the funding mechanisms adds a further layer of complexity to care integration. Efforts to enhance dental care for pregnant women in the Medicaid program may benefit from policy that aligns incentives for care coordination within the community. Policy that extends the window of eligibility for dental benefits to 24 months after the birth of the child will help women complete the dental treatment that is needed. This also leverages the value of care coordination for community stakeholders from diverse child health sectors.

Salmonella enterica Optimizes Metabolism After Addition of Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Under Anaerobic Conditions.

Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecules that mediate cell-to-cell communication in Gram-negative bacteria. Salmonella does not produce AHL, however, it can recognize AHLs produced by other species through SdiA protein modulating important cellular functions. In this work, the influence of the N-dodecanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) on glucose consumption, metabolic profile, and gene expression of Salmonella throughout the cultivation time in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) under anaerobic conditions was evaluated. Analysis of the supernatant culture in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed lower glucose uptake after 4 and 6 h of the addition of C12-HSL. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based analysis of the intracellular metabolites revealed C12-HSL perturbation in the abundance levels of metabolites related to the metabolic pathways of glycerolipids, purines, amino acids, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) indicated that Salmonella increase expression of genes associated with nucleoside degradation and quantification of metabolites supported the induction of pentose phosphate pathway to ensure growth under lower glucose consumption. The obtained data suggest an important role of C12-HSL in the optimization of metabolism at a situation of high population densities.

Endogenous fat losses and true and apparent fat digestibility in adult and growing dogs fed diets containing poultry offal fat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dietary nutrients, endogenous fat loss (EFL), dietary metabolizable energy (ME) content, coefficient of true digestibility (CTD) of fat and faecal parameters of dogs. A total of 16 puppies and 8 adult dogs were distributed according to a double Latin square experimental design. A basal diet was formulated, to which increasing levels (60, 120 and 180 g/kg) of poultry offal fat oil were added. EFL was estimated using hyperbolic and linear regression as a function of LW/day and dry matter (DM) intake, respectively, and the CTD of fat was calculated. The CTTAD of acid-hydrolysis ether extract (AHEE) and ME content increased as dietary poultry offal fat level increased both in adult dogs and in puppies (p < .05). The CTTAD of DM and crude protein were higher in adult dogs than in puppies. EFL was estimated by hyperbolic regression as y = 98.1094 - 13.6202/x and y = 99.1280 - 26.1366/x, where y = CTTAD of AHEE (%) and x = AHEE intake/kg BW, for adult dogs and puppies, respectively, which yielded EFL values of 138 and 262 mg AHEE per kg BW per day for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The EFL estimated by linear regression was 7.89 g and 8.97 g/kg DM intake for adult dogs and puppies respectively. The CTD estimated by both methodologies was higher in puppies than in adults (p < .05). Lower faecal DM and score, and higher ammonia production were obtained in puppies than adult dogs (p < .05). The results indicate good fat utilization and that fat digestibility is underestimated, as the CTTAD of AHEE does not take into account EFL, particularly at low-fat inclusion levels and in growing dogs, which have greater EFL than adult dogs.

Association between periodontitis and spontaneous abortion: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is a complication of pregnancy which can severely affect women both physically and psychologically. We investigated the associations of periodontitis and periodontopathic bacteria with spontaneous abortion. METHODS: We conducted a matched case-control study in two tertiary hospitals in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Cases were 85 women with spontaneous abortion at <20 weeks of gestation matched to 85 controls on age, gestational age, and hospital. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed. Periodontitis was defined as at least one site with probing depth ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level ≥2 mm at the same site. Subgingival plaque samples were collected to determine the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The cases were significantly more likely to have periodontitis (50.6%) than the controls (21.2%; P = 0.007). Conditional logistic regression revealed a crude odds ratio (OR) of 4.1 for the association between periodontitis and spontaneous abortion (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-8.9, P = 0.001). The OR decreased, but was still significant, after controlling for previous miscarriage (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.4-7.8, P = 0.006). There was no significant association between the levels of periodontopathic bacteria and spontaneous abortion. Increased levels of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were associated with periodontitis in both case and control groups. Association between increased T. forsythia levels and periodontitis was observed only in the case women. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis was more common in women with spontaneous abortions as compared with matched controls. Levels of periodontopathic bacteria was not associated with spontaneous abortion in this population.

Microtensile Bond Strength Between Glass Ionomer Cement and Silver Diamine Fluoride-Treated Carious Primary Dentin.

Purpose: The study objectives were to investigate the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on the microtensile bond strength between glass ionomer cement and carious primary dentin and evaluate the mode of restoration failure. Methods: Forty carious primary molars were sectioned in half through the middle of the carious lesion and randomly allocated to test and control groups. The test specimens were treated with 38 percent SDF, and the control, deionized water. The samples were stored in artificial saliva for 14 days at 37 degrees Celsius, and the dentin surfaces were conditioned and restored with Fuji IX GP Extra. After 24 hours in artificial saliva, the specimens were prepared for microtensile bond strength testing and stressed in tension at one mm per minute until failure. Mean bond strengths were compared using the paired t test. The failure mode was assessed with a stereomicroscope under 40X magnification. Results: The mean microtensile strength for the test group was 7.4 MPa (SD=±5.1) and 6.3 (±4.6) for the control group (P>0.05). Most common failure mode was the mixed failure mode in both groups. Conclusion: Silver diamine fluoride does not adversely affect the bond strength between glass ionomer cement and carious primary dentin in vitro.

Nationwide 2.5-Year School-Based Public Health Intervention Program Designed to Reduce the Incidence of Caries in Children of Grenada.

UNLABELLED: This paper describes an innovative public health intervention, called 'Smile Grenada', targeting the oral health of children in Grenada utilizing the resources of a US dental school, several oral health care companies, local governmental and public health authorities, and Grenadian school personnel. METHODS: Preintervention visual/tactile caries examinations were collected from 1,092 schoolchildren (mean age 9.9 years, standard deviation, SD = 3.7) in 2010. The intervention included: (1) classroom-based toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste, (2) fluoride varnish applied by trained dental students, teachers and local providers 3 times a year and (3) glass ionomer sealants placed on first permanent molars in children aged 6-8 years. Postintervention data were collected in May, 2013 (n = 2,301, mean age 9.8 years, SD = 3.7). Decayed and demineralized surfaces were examined for the whole sample and decay/demineralization and sealant retention on 6-year molars were examined separately (ages 6-8 in 2013 cohort). RESULTS: The number of decayed/demineralized surfaces declined across all age groups. The average number of decayed surfaces dropped from 9 at baseline to just over 6 (F1, 3,393 = 69.8, p < 0.0001) and the average number of demineralized surfaces dropped from 6 to less than 2 (1.8 surfaces; F1, 3,393 = 819.0, p < 0.0001). For children aged 6-8 years, there were statistically significantly fewer decayed surfaces (t1, 2,086 = 12.40, p < 0.0001; mean baseline 0.93, SD = 1.75; mean follow-up 0.23, SD = 0.83) and demineralized surfaces (t1, 2,086 = 19.7, p < 0.0001; mean baseline 2.11, SD = 2.74; mean follow-up 0.50, SD = 0.97) on 6-year molars. The Smile Grenada program successfully demonstrated a locally sustainable model for improving oral health in children in a developing country.

Noxious family environments in relation to adult and childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: The authors tested hypotheses that more noxious family environments are associated with poorer adult and child oral health. METHODS: A community sample of married or cohabiting couples (N = 135) and their elementary school-aged children participated. Dental hygienists determined the number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces via oral examination. Subjective oral health impacts were measured by means of questionnaires completed by the parents and children. The parents completed questionnaires about interparental and parent-to-child physical aggression (for example, pushing) and emotional aggression (for example, derision), as well as harsh discipline. Observers rated the couples' hostile behavior in laboratory interactions. RESULTS: The extent of women's and men's caries experience was associated positively with their partners' levels of overall noxious behavior toward them. The extent of children's caries experience was associated positively with the level of their mothers' emotional aggression toward their partners. CONCLUSIONS: Noxious family environments may be implicated in compromised oral health. Future research that replicates and extends these findings can provide the foundation to translate them into preventive interventions. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Noxious family environments may help explain the limitations of routine oral health preventive strategies. Interprofessional strategies that also address the family environment ultimately may prove to be more effective than are single modality approaches.

Body condition of dogs fed diets containing soya hulls.

Obesity is a growing problem in dogs. Therefore, there is an increasing need of foods for obese dogs with high-fibre content to dilute energies and to reduce energy absorption. Soya hulls are cheap and are widely available as a fibre source. We aimed at evaluating the body condition of dogs fed diets containing 0 % soya hulls (0SH) or 16 % soya hulls (16SH) in replacement of maize. Twelve adult dogs, with 11·3 (se 1·6) kg average body weight (BW), 4·1 (se 0·1) years old and body condition score (BCS) between 4 and 7, were completely randomised assigned (six per treatment) and were fed the 0SH diet according to their maintenance energy requirements or the same amount in grams (g/kg BW(0·75)) of the 16SH diet once daily for 56 d. The animals were evaluated on days 0 and 57 for BW, BCS (1, very thin to 9, obese), subcutaneous fat thickness in the L7 vertebra using ultrasound (L7), canine BMI (CBMI) and body fat (BF). Data were analysed by the Student's t test and Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0·05). The change (final - initial) in BW (-0·58 v. -0·49 kg), BCS (-1 v. -1), L7 (-2 v. 0·35 mm), CBMI (-0·85 v. -0·63 kg/m(2)) and BF (-5·0 v. -5·4 %) of dogs fed the 0SH and 16SH diets, respectively, were not different (P > 0·05). The 16SH diet, with 11·4 % restriction in metabolisable energy, did not change the BCS of adult dogs. Further studies evaluating the supply of soya hulls only to overweight/obese dogs should to be carried out, because these dogs may respond differently than the group evaluated, which had a BCS between 4 and 7 (ideal to overweight).

Effect of feeding frequency of a diet containing soya hulls on the food intake and behaviour of dogs.

Dietary fibre may promote satiety and reduce energy consumption per gram of food. Associated with feeding management, dietary fibre may contribute to reduce anxiety in dogs submitted to food restriction to lose weight. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the food intake and the behaviour of dogs fed diets without soya hulls (0SH) or with soya hulls (16SH) once (1×) or twice (2×) daily. Eight adult Beagle dogs, with 11·3 (se 1·6) kg body weight (BW), 4·1 (se 0·1) years of age and body condition score between 4 and 7, were distributed in 4 × 4 Latin square design (n 8/treatment, 5 d/period) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (0SH v. 16SH; 1× v. 2×). Food allowance was 50 % in excess of the daily metabolisable energy (ME) requirements; food residues were weighed. The behavioural test consisted in continuously observations for 24 h, using the scanning sampling technique (observations every 10 min). General behaviours, such as sleeping, barking, standing and others were recorded. Food intake in g/kg BW(0·75) per d of 0SH and 16SH was not different (P > 0·05). However, dogs fed the 0SH diet presented higher (P > 0·05) energy intake (kJ/kg BW(0·75) per d; P < 0·05) compared with those fed the 16SH diet. Dogs fed 2× daily had higher intake, both in g and in kJ, compared with those fed 1 × , independently of diet. There was no interaction between diets and feeding frequency (P > 0·05). No behavioural differences were observed (P > 0·05). The diet containing 16SH, despite reducing ME intake, did not restrict food intake (in g). Dogs fed 1× per d had lower food intake, possibly due to gastric capacity limitation.

Periodontitis and gestational diabetes mellitus in non-smoking females.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Periodontal disease is associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators and may be a risk factor for GDM. The authors aimed to examine the association between periodontitis and GDM among non-smoking pregnant females. METHODS: This case-control study included 50 females who were diagnosed with GDM and 50 age- and hospital-matched females without diabetes in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed during pregnancy by two calibrated dentists who were unaware of the case-control status. Periodontitis was defined as ≥1 site with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥2 mm at the same site. Serum samples were collected to measure C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels. Analyses were performed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the case females had periodontitis compared to 26% of the controls. Females with GDM had significantly higher mean PD and CAL, more sites with bleeding on probing, and increased levels of CRP compared to the controls. Periodontitis was significantly associated with GDM (odds ratio = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.19 to 7.56). The association remained significant with additional adjustment for family history of diabetes, prepregnancy body mass index, and weight gain during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that periodontitis is associated with GDM. Therefore, clinicians should assess periodontal conditions of pregnant females.

Periodontal inflammatory conditions among gutka chewers and non-chewers with and without prediabetes.

BACKGROUND: It is known that gutka chewing jeopardizes periodontal health; however, severity of periodontal inflammation in gutka chewers with and without prediabetes remains unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of periodontal inflammatory conditions with gutka chewing and prediabetes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the effect of gutka use on periodontal health is investigated among 44 individuals with prediabetes and 44 without prediabetes. Demographic information regarding age, sex, duration of prediabetes, and gutka-chewing habits was collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal inflammatory conditions (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD], marginal bone loss [MBL]) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) were recorded. Group differences in periodontal inflammatory parameters were tested using univariate and multivariable analyses (α ≤5%). RESULTS: Periodontal inflammatory parameters (PI, BOP, and PD) were significantly higher in individuals with prediabetes irrespective of gutka-chewing habit (P <0.05). Odds of periodontal inflammation in individuals with prediabetes were nine times higher than in healthy controls (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.4 to 23.6). Gutka chewing alone, chewing among individuals with prediabetes, and chewing among healthy controls did not significantly increase the odds of periodontal inflammatory conditions. Individuals with prediabetes were significantly more likely to have periodontal inflammation than individuals without prediabetes even after controlling for sex and gutka chewing (odds ratio = 13.2; 95% CI = 4.3 to 40.7). CONCLUSION: In medically healthy individuals, periodontal inflammatory conditions are worse in gutka chewers compared to non-chewers; in patients with prediabetes, the severity of periodontal inflammation is governed by hyperglycemia when compared to habitual gutka usage.

Involvement of Ayurvedic practitioners in oral health care in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Ayurveda, an ancient medical science originating in India, also is practiced in the United States. The authors conducted a study primarily to explore the involvement of Ayurvedic practitioners in treating oral diseases. METHODS: Eighty-five practitioners participated in this cross-sectional survey. The authors obtained self-reported data on demographics of the practitioners, the general and oral health conditions they treated, and the treatment modalities used. They performed descriptive statistical and logistic regression analyses by using statistical software. RESULTS: Participants predominantly were female and white or non-Hispanic, as well as part-time practitioners. Their educational backgrounds ranged from a 5½-year bachelor's degree in Ayurveda to short-term training. Of the 60 respondents who answered the question about treating oral diseases, 25 (42 percent) reported that they did so. Conditions treated were related to oral malodor, gingival or periodontal disease and toothache. Ayurvedic treatments administered for these conditions primarily were preventive in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States treat a variety of oral diseases by using predominantly preventive traditional care. Ayurvedic practitioners of Asian origin and those who practiced for a longer duration were more likely to report that they treated oral diseases. Larger, population-based studies are needed to understand more fully the current role of Ayurvedic practitioners in oral health care. Ayurvedic treatment modalities aimed at oral diseases need to be evaluated through rigorous randomized controlled trials for safety and effectiveness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patients with limited or no access to oral health care might seek Ayurvedic treatment, and those who have access to conventional oral health care might wish to complement it with Ayurvedic treatment. Practitioners can incorporate preventive Ayurvedic treatments, which are based mainly on natural products, into overall preventive care regimens, if proven safe and effective.