Dental Hygiene:  Vital for your pet’s health

Did You Know?...
Oral hygiene has perhaps been the most neglected aspect of pet health care.  It is estimated that 90 % of pets over 2 years of age have significant mouth disease and of that 90 %, fully 50 % require immediate attention.

Why Dental Care is Important for Pets
 Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs, particularly smaller breeds.

Cats can develop painful resorptive lesions.  Studies show that about 28 % develop at least 1 of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

Without regular cleaning both at home and professionally, bacteria and plaque can build up on the teeth and gums.  First you will notice bad breath and a swelling of the gums (gingivitis).  Then even more serious effects begin to develop.  Those bacteria can get into your pet’s bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, lungs, liver and possibly the kidneys and can lead to many serious health problems.  The good news is that oral diseases are almost entirely preventable and many are treatable when they are addressed promptly. 

Regular dental exams and home care for your pets can help you keep oral disease at bay, which in turn can prolong the life of your pet.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums.  They also can have receding and bleeding gums and bad breath.  If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, oral pain and poor appetite.  This loss of appetite, excessive drooling and loose teeth are all signs that dental disease may be affecting your pet.

A Clean Mouth is a Happy Mouth
With dental disease, the best defense is a good offense.  Imagine what might have happened if you hadn’t seen a dentist until you were a senior citizen!

Start by having your pet’s teeth and gums examined and professionally cleaned before gingivitis and periodontal disease appear.  A dental exam and cleaning should become part of your pet’s regular veterinary visits.  In between cleanings, you can help keep teeth fresh and bright by adopting an oral home care plan.  This can include brushing, special dietary aides and other techniques to help to keep your pet healthy year round.  Be sure to stick with toothpastes in flavors and formulas made especially for pets.

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What is OraVet, What is the vaccine?

OraVet

OraVet provides a barrier sealant that helps to protect teeth and gums from plaque and calculus buildup due to bacteria. 

After your pet receives their dental cleaning and an in-clinic application, you will begin the weekly at-home applications of OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel to your pet’s teeth and gum line. 

In addition to reducing bacteria that can cause bad breath, OraVet may help extend the time between dental cleanings.

Porphyromonas Vaccine

This is a newly developed vaccine has just become available to help prevent canine periodontitis and associated bone loss, thus helping to keep your dog’s mouth and system healthy. This vaccine is administered in a series of two injections, followed by an annual booster.

Take advantage of this special offer during the month of February and keep that beautiful smile on your pet’s face!

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Tips on Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

• Introduce brushing gradually and early.
• At first, dip your finger into beef bouillon for a dog or tuna water for a cat and rub your finger over the pets mouth and teeth.
• Introduce gauze on your finger with the same beef or tuna flavor and begin rubbing the teeth in a circular motion.
• Before graduating to a soft bristle toothbrush, put a small amount of toothpaste specifically designed for pets on your finger and allow the pet to taste it.
• Finally, apply a small dab of pet toothpaste on a moist toothbrush and allow your pet to lick the bristles.  Begin brushing gently at a 45 % angle away from the gum line.
  
  ***Please note!***  Toothpaste designed for people contains ingredients that may upset your pet’s stomach and actually damage their teeth.

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