Dental Care
Did you know that oral disease is the most prevalent disease in adult pets?  In fact, 80% of dogs
and 70% of cats over age three have some form of oral disease!  And research shows that plaque
is the primary cause of periodontal disease.

The actual process starts with bacteria and plaque build up on the teeth themselves.  If  left to
progress the plaque eventually turns into yellow and brown build-up called tartar.  This alone can
cause bad breath at first progressing into a disease that can give way to tooth decay, tooth loss,
gums that bleed, and produce harmful bacteria that can damage the heart.  











Once the tartar builds up on the teeth, the only means to clean them is to schedule an appointment
and having the teeth ultrasonically cleaned.  This is a process which uses ultrasonic vibrations to
break up the stubborn tartar.  So if you notice your pet is building up a yellow-brown layer on the
teeth, bleeding gums, or notice bad breath make an appointment to have one of our doctors
evaluate their teeth.  














We also provide digital xray service for our patients so that underlining periodontal disease may be
explored in more detail.  This will determine if a tooth needs to be extracted or used to survey the
bone density surrounding a tooth.
















Dental Homecare
There are some things that you can do at home to slow down this process of tartar buildup:  

OraVet Gel
OraVet gel is a barrier sealant that helps protect the teeth and gums from plaque and tartar buildup
which is caused by bacteria.  The sealant is odorless, tasteless and invisible once applied.  The
barrier sealant application is included in all of our dentals.  However, to maintain that protective
barrier we recommend applying the
Plaque Prevention Gel at home.  It is a gel that is easily
applied to the gum line of your pet and is done routinely once a week.  This will help reduce the
bacteria in your pet's mouth which will cut down on bad breath.  The gel will also extend the time
between dental cleanings.

Brushing
Brushing your pets teeth can be done at home using a finger toothbrush or a 2 X 2 gauze pad.  Our
hospital sells finger brushes, gauze pads and toothpaste for your pet.  However do not use human
toothpaste!  Human tooth paste will upset your pets stomach.  To get your pet used to the idea of
brushing their teeth, start out by wetting your finger and gently rubbing their teeth in a circular
motion.  Then you can gradually introduce the finger brush followed by the pet toothpaste.  You
should brush your pets teeth once a day provide good dental preventative care.
                                                         
 "How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth"
                                                  "How to Brush Your Cats teeth Video"
                                                                                          
CET AquaDent
This product is a drinking water additive used to decrease plaque and calculus accumulation.  It
also reduces gingival bleeding and halitosis.

CET HEXtra treats
This is a chlorhexidine treat that is formulated to remove plaque and tartar.  It can be used in
addition to brushing or using the water additive.

Maxiguard Oral Cleaning Gel
This product does not require brushing.  It is applied directly to your pet's gums and the saliva
carries the gel across the teeth therefore reducing plaque as it goes.  This product is also a good
product to use after brushing to reduce plaque accumulation.

Greenies
This is a treat made to help keep your pet's teeth clean and fresh.  This product is best used in
conjunction with one of the other products listed above.

Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition for pet is a must in ensuring good oral hygiene as well as good health in general.  
One thing to avoid is giving your pet table or wet food.  Instead stick with hard kibbled food.  There
are some products out such as Science Diet T/D that are a food that are specially formulated for
tartar control.
(Tartar build up, unscaled)
(After ultrasonically cleaning)
(Ultrasonic Scaler)
Pet Dental Link Click on logo to visit!
(Dental Drill Unit with Polishing Unit)
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