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Daily Brushing is Best | Use Animal Toothpaste Only | When You Can't Brush Daily | Dental Cleanings
Pets
need regular dental care just like us! Because they can't bush their
own teeth daily, they can develop all the same dental problems that
we do. Plaque, tartar, gingivitis, cavities, root abscesses, etc.
can attack their teeth and the same principles of tooth care apply
to pets: brush daily and have thorough routine dental cleanings. If
you can see tartar on the teeth or smell bad breath (this is from
the bacteria and decay in the mouth secondary to tartar and periodontal
disease), it is time to see your veterinarian for a thorough dental
exam and possibly a cleaning. The conditions mentioned above can not
only cause discomfort, but can also lead to internal problems for
your pet because problems in the mouth can contribute to the spread
of bacteria via the blood stream. This can cause problems with the
kidneys, liver and heart valves, and is an overall strain on the immune
system.
You can imagine what your mouth and teeth would feel like (not to
mention smell like!) if you didn't brush your teeth or go to the dentist!
Plaque forms constantly on pet's teeth and if it is not broken down it will start to form tartar within about 24 hours. Therefore, it is ideal to thoroughly brush your pet's teeth at least once daily to prevent the formation of tartar. Brushing can prevent tartar buildup, however, once the tartar is there only a thorough dental cleaning by your veterinarian can rid your pet of the build up. We recommend that you use a toothbrush designed for pets, a children's toothbrush, your finger wrapped with a piece of gauze, or the finger puppet style brushes we have available at our office. When brushing, focus on the gum line, specifically the canine teeth and upper back molars. Even if you can't "brush" each tooth, getting the toothpaste in their mouth will help!
Pets can swallow the paste and human products can cause stomach upset and vomiting. C.E.T. offers toothpaste specially formualted to be safe if ingested and they are available in a variety of flavors such as poultry, tuna, and mint.
In some cases it may not be possible to brush your pet's teeth daily, so we have a variety of supplements to help prevent tartar build up.
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Hills T/D (Tartar Diet) is a prescription food that contains the same enzymes as toothpaste and is very hard and crunchy This diet can be used as a primary diet, mixed in with regular food or can be used as a treat several times a day. Believe it or not, this really works!
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We also have rawhide strips and treats that contain toothpaste enzymes. These may help to give additional protection against plaque and tarter.
Once tartar has
formed on the teeth, the only way to remove it is with a full dental
cleaning. General anesthesia is required in order to clean all the teeth
properly. We use an ultrasonic scaling device to remove the tartar,
we probe the tooth roots, and use power polishers to get a pearly white
smile.
Extraction of diseased and rotting teeth is commonly needed. Often,
it is impossible to know a tooth is diseased to the point of needing
to be extracted until we have the pet under anesthesia and can fully
evaluate the entire mouth. The frequency of routine dental cleanings
are all relevant to your pet's age, genetics, and your daily prevention
routine.