Pets need a thorough exam, which includes examining the teeth and gums, at least once a year. Healthy pets have pink gums with clean, white teeth. There is firm gum tissue all around the teeth. Just like us, dental care for your pet is important for their health, social interactions, and comfort. Dental procedures are more than just a cosmetic procedure.
Deciduous or baby teeth retained longer than normal can cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked. This creates a malocclusion or bad bite, which can be painful for the dog. Retained deciduous teeth should be extracted as soon as possible to prevent the incoming permanent teeth from erupting in the wrong position. In the picture to the left you can see the upper canine teeth pushing the lower adult canine teeth. If left untreated, the lower canines could puncture the roof of the dog's mouth.
Plaque is a colorless film containing bacteria that covers the teeth. Once the plaque has mineralized, it becomes Tartar, turning the teeth yellow. Left untreated the tartar can cause Gingivitis, an infection that causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. These dental conditions can be corrected with proper dental cleaning and probing by the veterinarian.
Gingivitis will continue to progress and eventually become Periodontitis. Moderate Periodontal Disease occurs as the infection goes deeper underneath the gum line. It will cause slight softening and loosening of the gum tissue around the tooth. Bacteria from the teeth enter the bloodstream and cause infection of the heart, kidneys, or other organs. Bad breath, or halitosis, is present.
When Severe Periodontal Disease is present the gums are sore, red, and swollen with areas of ulceration. The gum tissue softens even more and separates from the neck of the tooth causing pocket formation around the tooth. Bone loss occurs and with it root decay, loose teeth and tooth loss. The risk of systemic problems increase. The pet is at risk for damage to the heart valves, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. Halitosis has progressed so severely that you can smell it when you walk in the room.
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Yellow-brown crust around the gum line
- Broken teeth and tooth loss
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Inability to open or close mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Chronic intermittent sneezing
- Persistent eye inflammation
- Open abscess under the eye
- Pain when eating
- Change of chewing or eating habits
- Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- Reluctance to chew toys or eat, especially dry food
- Sudden change in behavior (aggression or withdrawal)
- Loss of symmetry of the muzzle and /or lower jaw
Your pet should have food withheld after 6pm and water withheld after midnight the night prior to receiving anesthesia. We request that you bring your pet to the clinic in the morning so that you may pick up your pet after 2 p.m. the same day.
Your pet is given a physical exam and any recommended laboratory work is completed before the procedure. Pre-operative work-ups may include blood work to check the internal organ functions, diabetes, as well as other health concerns. An ECG (Echocardiogram ) may be performed to help detect any heart problems before anesthesia is used. There may be other tests recommended by the veterinarian.
Your pet is given a general anesthesia so that a precise dental ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar formation followed by polishing may be performed. Then an application of OraVet Barrier Sealant is applied. Dental X-Rays may be done to deterimine the condition of the teeth and gums. Any necessary extractions and/or periodontal therapy will be performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Your pet will be monitored while it is under anesthesia.
Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to and definately after and extractions or other extensive dental work is performed. This is to prevent the infection from spreading from the mouth to other body organs. Pain relief medication may be sent home if needed.
Home Dental Care is the second most important part of the teeth cleaning procedure. Home care helps prevent tartar formation, maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums. The teeth cleaning program that you establish at home can help prevent or lessen future in-office cleaning or extractions. Plaque formation right after dental cleaning is a natural process and is due to the lack of home care.
Home dental care should start the next day after your pet has their teeth cleaned. Brush your pet's teeth at least weekly with a brush and toothpaste that are available at the clinic. It is important that you use a toothpaste specially formulated for animals as they cannot tolerate toothpaste for humans.
Other options for Home Dental Care include:
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OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel is a follow up to the OraVet Barrier Sealant applied in the clinic at the dental cleaning. Two weeks after your pet has had their teeth cleaned in the clinic, apply the gel at home. Continue to apply the gel once a week to reduce plaque and tartar formation. OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel is non-toxic and may be used in pets of any age. It can be used along with brushing.
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Maxi Guard Oral Gel - use once a day to prevent plaque build up, promote healthy gums, and freshen breath. Maxi Guard Oral Gel is taste free, alcohol free, and chlorhexidine free. Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant chemical that kills bacteria, has a bitter taste, and can stain the teeth. Maxi Guard Oral Gel is a natural Zinc ascorbate/Taurine compound to which Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) crystals are added. This compound reduces and prevents plaque, but it will not remove hardened tartar which needs to be removed by a veterinarian. It also stimulates collagen production which is the repair process of tissue. It is only available through a licensed veterinarian.
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Hills Prescription Diet Canine t/d and Feline t/d - are designed to help reduce plaque and control tartar on your pet's teeth. The kibbles are larger and do not shatter immediately when chewed. Instead, the tooth penetrates the kibble and deposits of plaque and other debris are wiped from the surface of the tooth, helping to prevent problems such as bad breath and tooth loss. This diet is intended to be fed as a daily maintenance food and is not meant to be used solely as a treat.
- C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews for cats and dogs - are available in our clinic. The chews have a good taste and feature the exclusive Dual-Enzyme System to remove plaque and prevent buildup of harmful bacteria. C.E.T. Chews help to keep breath fresh and teeth clean. Use them daily when brushing is not possible.
- Safe Chew Toys for your pet - make sure they do not have pieces that will break off. The toy should be softer than the teeth. Rope bones, rawhide chews, and hard rubber toys are good. Cow hooves, bones, and ice cubes should be avoided
- Never feed real meat bones which can be crunched up and swallowed. Many times this causes bowel obstructions.
The best time to start home dental care is when your pet is a puppy or kitten. Older dogs and cats, however, can be trained for home dental care. You can make it a part of their regular grooming schedule. The goal is to remove plaque while it is soft, before it mineralizes and becomes tartar that needs to be professionally removed.
To get your pet to let you work with their mouth, start slowly. Run your finger along their teeth. If the pet fusses, play with them. Try again and praise them as you work. If the pet associates their mouth being handled with something they enjoy doing, chances are that further advances in your home care methods can be made. Make it fun. Go slowly. If you make it frightening, painful, or advance too quickly, you'll never be able to treat the pet yourself. Once they accept having their mouth worked with, you can begin the cleaning method that best suits your pet's needs. For cats, applying tuna juice to your finger as you rub can improve the pet's interest.
- Method 1
Take a small cloth or piece of gauze and wrap it around your finger. Gently run your finger along all teeth. Wipe all the surfaces you can reach, but be careful not to get bitten. You may not be able to wipe the insides of the teeth. The pet's tongue helps to clean this area. It is best to wipe the teeth at least once weekly, or daily if you can. - Method 2
With a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush all teeth using the same technique you use on your own teeth. There are special toothpastes available at our office that are designed for use on your pet's teeth. We recommend that you not use your own toothpaste, as it is not intended to be swallowed. Do not use baking soda or salt. These items contain too much sodium, which is harmful to your pet.
The VOHC was created in 1997 to certify veterinary dental products that effectively control plaque and calculus in cats and dogs. For products positioned for different-sized pets, the manufacturer must submit separate efficacy studies for each size. Products that have received the VOHC seal of acceptance to date include:
- Prescription Diet Canine t/d: Original and Small Bites
- Prescription Diet Feline t/d
- New and Improved Prescription Diet Feline t/d
- Science Diet Oral Care Diet for Dogs
- Science Diet Oral Care Diet for Cats
- Friskies Dental Diet
- Del Monte Tartar Check Dog Biscuits: Small and Large Sizes
- Friskies Cheweez Beefhide Treats
- Iams Chunk Dental Defense Chunk Diet for Dogs
- Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Diet for Dogs
- Greenies Edible Dog Treats: Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large, and Jumbo Sizes