Oral healthcare is as important to your pet's overall health as are bi-annual dental visits for people. What you may call "doggie breath" may actually be caused by severe periodontal disease, and discolored teeth or swollen, bleeding gums can be early indicators of serious trouble. Periodontal disease affects an animal's overall health, with signs of disease being manifested in a variety of ways. Unattended, it can cause loose teeth, loss of teeth, or even organ damage, just as it can in people.
Periodontal disease begins when a combination of bacteria and food debris, generally referred to as "plaque", builds up on the surface of your pet's teeth. Plaque works its way under the gum line, releasing toxins that cause an inflammatory reaction. The inflammation in turn leads to the destruction of tissue and bone that anchor the teeth in place, causing them to loosen from the bone. To carry this a step further, if this same bacteria is not prevented from entering the animal's bloodstream, major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys can become compromised, often causing permanent damage..
Many pet owners don't realize that periodontal disease is not only serious, but very common. With 80% or more of all dogs over the age of four affected by the disease, it's easy to understand why this is one of the most frequently diagnosed health problems in our animal companions..
Prevention, of course, is the best protection from periodontal disease. Veterinarians clean your pets' teeth in much the same way your own teeth are cleaned during a dental visit. First, tartar is scraped and/or chipped from the teeth by a technician, then the teeth are scaled (cleaned) using an ultrasonic scaler. The teeth are then checked and cleaned beneath the gumline (subgingivally). This is accomplished by probing and scaling with special dental tools, and is followed by xrays if needed to fully assess the health of the roots. A veterinarian then examines the teeth and performs any necessary extractions or surgery. The teeth are then polished and a special rinse is used. Of course, a major difference in this procedure from that used with people is the use of anesthesia: where you can be instructed to "open", "turn slightly", or "relax", it is not possible to direct your pet in this manner. Most animals tend not to cooperate when having their mouths examined, and must be anesthetized in order to both conduct a thorough exam as well as to clean the teeth..
Dental cleaning is certainly the most effective way to maintain good oral health for your pet, but we at Tender Heart Veterinary Care recognize that not every owner is able to have this service performed on a regular basis. With that in mind, we offer a number of solutions to slow the development of tartar and plaque. While we do recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily, we also understand that not all pets are cooperative in that respect. Regular use of these products can aid in reducing the need for annual cleanings, often allowing an extra year or even two between cleanings. We offer all of the following, and are happy to discuss which might work best for your animal and life-style..
- CET Oral Hygiene Rinse: this liquid rinse comes in a squeeze-bottle with a crooked tube. Simply squirt the amount recommended by your veterinarian directly into your pet's mouth: it's the pet equivalent to rinsing with mouthwash.
- CET Chews for Dogs: these rawhide chews are treated with enzymes which inhibit the buildup of tartar and plaque while reducing the growth of bacteria. They are available in petite, medium, and large sizes, keeping dogs from chihuahuas to mastiffs busy chewing!
- CET Chews for Cats: these cylindrical chews feature a papery outer covering and a crumbly, abrasive inside which helps prevent plaque buildup. Give as a daily treat to keep teeth clean and breath fresh.
- Oxyfresh Pet Gel: this gel is rubbed on your pet's teeth and gums to create an invisible barrier which prevents tartar and plaque from sticking. This, of course, prevents the growth of bacteria. Pet Gel is an inexpensive way to keep your pet's teeth cleaner and breath fresher; one of our technicians will be happy to show you how easy it is to apply.
- Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Solution: this liquid is mixed into your pet's drinking water for the least-invasive way to keep his mouth fresh. Mixed 1 teaspoon per quart of water, this solution aids in the prevention of tartar and plaque, yet is odorless and completely tasteless. This works well for a pet who is uncooperative as well as for the owner who simply can't find the time for any of the more hands-on approaches to dental care.
- Royal Canin Dental Diets for Dogs and Cats (D/D): this dry food, which can also be used as a treat for both dogs and cats, features a unique crosshatch design. These food bites are slightly larger than most dry foods (the dog diet comes in two sizes), causing the animal to chew them a bit more in order to break them down. The chewing process immerses the teeth in a mildly abrasive web of food, which uses enzymes to "brush" the tartar and plaque from the teeth. A D/D sample is sent home following dental surgery or cleaning. We also invite you to visit us any time and ask for a free sample!
And finally, the solution that you yourself use: BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH! Not the easiest solution, depending on your pet, but if you start them young and do it regularly most pets will at least tolerate, and perhaps even enjoy, the process. We offer toothbrushes specially shaped and sized for your pet's mouth, as well as poultry or beef flavored pet toothpaste. One of our technicians or veterinarians will be happy to demonstrate brushing methods with you and your pet..
Remember: good oral hygiene will help keep your animal companion healthy!
