Periodontal disease is the most common ailment found in dogs and cats over 4 years
old. It can lead to pain and tooth loss, and the resulting bacteria can spread
throughout the body and damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
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 x-ray 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.
(Ultrasonic Scaler)
Pet Dental Link Click on logo to visit!
(Dental Drill Unit with
Polishing Unit)
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