Dental

The dental prophylaxis involves placing your pet under general anesthesia to clean the teeth. A prophylaxis is performed to remove calculus (tartar) that has built up on your pet's teeth. A combination of ultrasonic cleaning (using an ultrasonic scaler) and hand scaling is used to remove the tartar. The teeth are then polished using pumice and polishing tool much like the one used by your dentist. Dental charting and exam are also done at the same time. There are many health benefits derived from regular dental care for your pet. Plaque and tartar build-up left untreated can cause other health problems. Bacteria are one of the many constituents that make up tartar. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, it can cause gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gum line. This can eventually lead to periodontal disease, which is a breakdown of the surrounding structures that hold the teeth in the socket. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in dogs and cats. Excess bacteria due to dental disease can also create excess bacteria circulating in the bloodstream, which can affect many internal organs negatively and promote other diseases. The time intervals between dental cleanings can vary from one pet to another. In general, smaller dog breeds tend to have accelerated dental problems compared to large breeds. Have your pet's teeth checked a minimum of once a year by your veterinarian. Some pets may need to have their teeth cleaned every 6 months, some yearly, some every few years.

Dogs and cats will often show no outward signs that something may be wrong with their teeth. They may continue to eat well and sometimes show no change in behavior, despite severe dental problems. This is why it is important to check your pet's teeth at home between vet visits. Bad breath, decreased appetite or a change in behavior can be clues to a problem with the teeth or oral cavity. Occasionally a pet owner may note a dog or cat pawing at its mouth. This could be a sign of dental pain. Extractions are common, particularly in older pets. They are usually due to periodontal disease, which may not be evident until the dental cleaning takes place. At a glance, a tooth can appear healthy, but it may be discovered that the tooth has a large pocket around it. This could require extraction of the tooth if it is unstable and the pocket around the tooth is too deep. Prevention is the best medicine! Brush you pet's teeth regularly (several times weekly, if possible). There are soft toothbrushes and finger brushes made especially for pets, along with yummy flavored toothpaste. The only safe human toothbrush to use on your pet is a CHILD'S SOFT toothbrush, which is softer than the adult toothbrushes. NEVER use TOOTHPASTE MADE FOR HUMANS on your pet. Toothpaste made for humans contain ingredients which are not good for your pet. Dog and cat toothpaste does not contain foaming agents and the teeth do not need to be rinsed after using it. The pet's toothpaste also contains enzymes which help break up the constituents in the oral cavity that cause tartar build-up. Pet tooth paste comes in flavors such as poultry, malt and vanilla mint for our pets with food allergies.