| Of all the preventative health measures you can take, perhaps nothing is more important than maintaining your pet's dental health. Tartar and gum disease produces more than just "bad breath", it can also lead to disease of the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. This page offers some details about how you can help keep your pet's breath fresh as well as maintain optimum health and longevity.
February is Pet Dental Health Month
Again this year, February was declared National Pet Dental Health Month. Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, and Hill's Pet Nutrition, the event is intended to educate pet owners nationwide about the importance of routine dental care for dogs and cats.
Dogs
Puppies develop 28 temporary teeth at 2-3 weeks of age; their 42 permanent teeth emerge at about 4 months. Studies show that by age 3, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Small dog breeds are more likely than large breeds to develop periodontal disease. Canine dentistry experts believe this is because the teeth of small dogs often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together.
Cats
Kittens have about 26 temporary teeth at 2-3 weeks of age; their 30 permanent teeth erupt at about 4 months. According to studies, about 70 percent of cats have signs of gum disease by age 3. Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.
To help promote dental health in our patients, our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have. We can provide advice on preventative dental care, as well as a variety of reading materials.
As part of Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic's ongoing emphasis on preventative health care, we want you to learn more about Dental Prophylaxis as performed at our clinic.
Pets Need Dental Care Too
This informative and colorful site is sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and gives many practical tips on keeping your pet's mouth as healthy as possible. It includes a section designed just for kids and helpful movies on-line demonstrating home dental care. Care For Pets
Part of the American Veterinary Medical Association website, this page offers information on many pet health care topics, including dental disease.
Now that you have had your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned and polished…. what now? It is time to learn some dental home care!
Brushing Strategies
- The most important strategy in the prevention of periodontal disease is plaque control. The mechanical removal of plaque is particularly important plus it helps with your pet’s breath. The C.E.T. Fingerbrush is a great way to get you and your pet used to brushing.
- Place the rubber finger toothbrush on your finger with a small amount of the enzymatic toothpaste. Lift your pet’s lip and rub in a circular motion on the outside of the teeth.
- You only really need to concentrate on the outer surface.
- Many pets will not tolerate you opening their mouths to reach the inside of the teeth. You want to try and not make this an unpleasant experience for your pet and certainly you don’t want to get bitten yourself.
Tartar Control Diets
Hill’s t/d is a prescription dental diet. It helps with gingivitis, plaque, stain and tartar. It is the only nutritionally complete pet food clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and help prevent gingivitis . It also helps with bad breath. You can use it as a treat, mix it in with what you normally feed or even feed it exclusively.
Tips For Difficult Cases
For the pets that resist attempts to brush you can dip the fingerbrush in beef or chicken broth or something else your pet finds tasty and let the pet lick it. Once your pet begins to become comfortable with the process, you can begin to swipe at the teeth. In most cases, full brushing can eventually take place. You can also purchase a C.E.T. toothbrush with a long handle from us or you can use a soft child’s brush purchased from your local drugstore. Another option is an antibacterial product called Clean and Fresh. It is an oral cleansing solution for use on dogs and cats to help maintain oral health and fresh breath.
Success with Home Care
Most pets will still need a professional dental cleaning at some point. Doing dental home care will slow tartar and plaque buildup, as well as periodontal disease. Instead of having to do a dental cleaning every 1-2 years, with home care it might only be needed every 3-4 years.
Do Not Use Human Toothpaste as this can cause serious stomach upset when swallowed. We sell a safe enzymatic toothpaste for use with dogs and cats. It is poultry flavored so most pets like it.
Please feel free to ask for a brushing demonstration. We are here to answer any questions you might have! Good Luck
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