Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets (and in people!) consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. A buildup of plaque can cause periodontal disease, among other health problems. Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in for regular dental checkups.
What to do About Unhealthy Teeth
If your pet has signs of a painful mouth (Bad Breath, Unusual Chewing Habits, Loss of Appetite, Redness of Gums, Etc.) schedule an exam with us, and we will determine a proper diagnoses. An average dental procedure includes the scaling of teeth to remove plaque and tartar, checking for below the surface issues, radiographs, polishing the teeth, and extractions if necessary.
At Home Prevention Care
- The Toothbrush Kit: The shape of the canine and feline brushes conform to a pet’s mouth. Finger brushes are available and are smaller for puppies and kittens
- Toothpaste: DO NOT USE A HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON YOUR PET. Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors: mint, chicken, liver, and malt (generally preferred as a flavor by pets).
- Dental Spray: Some pets will not allow anyone to actually touch their teeth. For these pets there is dental spray which can be sprayed into the mouth as an anti-plaque wash. The spray can be applied to a tissue or cloth and rubbed on the teeth as well.
- Dental Treats: Some cats will not allow anyone to reach into their mouths for any reason and will not tolerate brushing, spraying, rinsing or any other home care. For these animals dental treats represent an excellent method of dental home care. Feline dental treats are freeze dried fish pieces to help remove plaque. We recommend a treat daily for routine home care.