Dental Services
More than 85% of dogs and cats over four years old have some form of periodontal disease, a painful inflammatory condition in which bacteria attack the gums, ligament and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. If left unchecked, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, starting infections there and seriously compromising the health of your pet.
Some of these areas include:
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Mouth
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Periodontal disease can cause bad breath as well as lead to soreness and destruction of the gums, and loose or missing teeth.
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Lungs
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Bacteria infecting the lungs may cause bronchial or other respiratory infections.
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Liver
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Bacteria entering the liver may result in a variety of liver disorders.
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Kidneys
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Periodontal disease may effect the kidneys by contributing bacteria that cause kidney infection and damage.
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Heart
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Periodontal disease may result in inflammation and damage to the heart.
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Brain
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Occasionally, bacteria will cross the blood-brain barrier and may cause damage.
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Some of the signs and/or symptoms of poor oral health are:
Persistant bad breath
Sensitivity around the mouth
"Pawing" at the mouth
Loss of appetite
Plaque: (filmy, white substance on teeth)
Bleeding, inflamed, or receeding gums
Tartar(creamy-brown, hard material)
Loose or missing teeth
Difficulty eating & chewing food
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It is important to have your pet's teeth examined by your veterinarian on a routine basis!
Prevention begins at home.
Brushing your pet's teeth is easy and doesn't take much time. The first step is to select a convenient time when you and your pet are both relaxed.
1. For the first few days, simply hold your pet as you normally do when petting him/her.
2. Gently stroke the outside of your pet's cheeks with your finger for a minute or two.
3. After each session, reward your pet with an appropriate treat and lots of praise!
After your pet has become comfortable with this activity...
1. Place a small amount of an animal dentifrice on your finger and let your pet sample the flavor.
2. Introduce your pet to an animal toothbrush or fingerbrush.
3. Place a small amount of dentifrice on the brush.
4. Gently raise your pet's upper lip and place the brush against an upper tooth.
5. With a slow circular motion, gently brush only that tooth and the adjoining gumline.
Each day, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed, but GO SLOWLY. Do not go beyond your pet's point of comfort. Build up to approximately 30 seconds of brushing per side. And remember, after each session, reward your pet with a treat and lots of praise!
* Another option to brushing, after professional cleaning to help keep plaque off teeth between dentals,
is oral cleansing gel.
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