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DENTISTRY

Have you looked in your pet’s mouth lately?

Does Fifi have bad breath? 

Does Buffy chew on rocks?

Can you see yellow on Kitty’s teeth? 

If you can answer 'yes' to any of these questions, keep reading....

Why clean your animal’s teeth??

Poor oral health is the number one health problem in animals today! Your pet’s bad breath may be considerably more serious than you think – it may actually be taking years off of your pet’s life.

Did you know that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three are affected by periodontal disease, some non-reversible? This begins with tartar, which creates a great environment for bacteria to reproduce. This causes bleeding gums, tooth decay and bone loss, it can also cause harm to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.

Before... ...and after!

Signs of Poor Oral Health

  • Bad Breath

  • Yellow Teeth

  • Bright Red/Rounded Gums

How do you prevent this from happening to your pet?

The same way as if it was your mouth – brushing and regular visits to the doctor. Oral health care should start the day you obtain your new animal, dog or cat, no matter how young or old. Heath care includes home care, proper toys and regular dental visits to the veterinary office.

Homecare:

Select a time when you and your pet are both relaxed. For the first few days, simply hold your pet as you would normally when petting. Gently stroke the outside of your pet’s cheeks with your finger for a minute or two. After each session, reward your pet with an appropriate treat and praise. Next, place a small amount of animal toothpaste on your finger and let your pet sample a small amount. Then introduce your pet to an animal toothbrush or finger brush. Gently raise your pet’s upper lip and place the brush against a tooth. With a slow circular motion, gently brush only that tooth and the gum line. Each day increase the number of teeth brushed, go slowly and do not go beyond your pet’s limit of comfort. Build up to approximately 30 seconds of brushing per side. Remember, after each session reward your pet with an appropriate treat and lots of praise. If homecare is performed, then less doctor visits are needed and everyone is happier, but most of all your pet feels better and is healthier!

Proper Toys:

Proper toys also help with your animal’s oral health. A tennis ball is not a good choice. The tennis ball will collect direct and scratch the enamel off the teeth. Special dental rubber toys are made for cleaning teeth while playing. These toys are available through your local pet store or veterinarian.

Appropriate Treats and Diets:

Many companies make specially formulated (hard) food for helping teeth stay tartar-free. The treats your pet receives should also be flexible (the tooth will give before a bone being chewed on will). Bones and rocks chip enamel off and facture teeth, which can be painful and provide a place for infection to start.

CET Dental Rewards are chewable treats with Chlorhexiderm, a disinfectant that destroys plaque causing bacteria. Oral rinses freshen breath and can be used in pets that dislike brushing. Oravet Gel is a weekly product used to create a barrier on the teeth against plaque.

Why Not Human Toothpaste?

Human toothpaste has fluoride and is toxic to both humans and animals. Animals do not rise and spit like humans and they swallow the toxic fluoride, which will irritate the stomach.

What is Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontitis is the third and fourth stages of periodontal disease. Both stages can be controlled, but cannot be cured. Canned food is a major contributor and can start Stage I as early as 7 months of age. The first sign is bad breath, and then you can see a mild inflammation line around the tooth and gum. Stage II usually is seen between 1-4 years of age, but can be seen earlier.  You can also see the plaque build up on the teeth. Stage III is the established stage and cannot be cured, formation of pockets (separation of gums from the tooth). Stage IV is the advanced stage and there is gum recession, bone loss, bleeding gums and tooth loss. This can be prevented with proper diet, home care and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office.

Periodontal Disease Stagess

Stage I – Gingivitis: Small red line on gums

Stage II Gingivitis: Swelling of gums and separation of tooth from gums (sulcus) from where the tooth begins)

Stage III Periodontitis: Bad swelling and worse separation of gums from the tooth – non-curable.

Stage IV Periodontitis: Severe swelling and separation of the sulcus (gums) from the tooth is about completing, possible extraction of tooth is needed – non-curable.