Enamel Cuticle (Nasmyth's Membrane) and Tartar Deposition in the Ferret

Abstract

A FORM of parodontal disease has been previously described, in which the initial lesion of the gum was caused by the impingement and eventual penetration of salivary calculus^1,2. Both tartar deposition and gingival disease were prevented by including in the diet short lengths of bone with small amounts of muscle, tendon and periosteum left in situ. The latter attachments fed separately had no prophylactic influence, and their importance lay in their providing the main inducement to gnawing of the bone by the animals. The tartar-preventing action of bone-gnawing was largely due to the mechanical friction of the hard bone against the tooth surfaces, and its curative effect on established parodontal lesions was also demonstrated.