Todays Pet Health 4 Signs of Dental Trouble part 2
Start with a clean slate: Before beginning dental care at home, ask your veterinary team to evaluate your pet’s teeth.
For pets with healthy teeth and gums, cleanings are usually done about once a year. Pets that have periodontal disease may require more frequent visits. Your veterinarian will recommend a cleaning schedule based on your pet’s needs. Every pet is unique when it comes to dental disease. “Genetics, breed, and luck all play a part in how often you will need to have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned,” Dr. Cruz says.
One method of cleaning is to use an ultrasonic scaler. Its metal tip moves quickly and vibrates debris and plaque off teeth. Similar to what happens during a trip to your own dentist, your pet’s teeth will be cleaned both above and below the gumline and then polished.
Administering anesthesia is necessary for the procedure because most pets would not sit still for their teeth to be cleaned under the gumline. Your veterinary staff will take plenty of precautions to make undergoing anesthesia as risk free as possible for your pet.
Pain caused by periodontal disease can be prevented through regular professional dental cleanings and home care.
Your veterinarian will perform a preanesthetic exam and will most likely recommend a blood profile screening, which can rule out any preexisting problems that could affect the use of anesthesia. In addition, “you can be reassured that today’s anesthesia is extremely safe,” reports Dr. Kenneth Lyon, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist who practices at Arizona Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona. Recent clinical advances in anesthesia help ensure that your pet will be alert and virtually back to normal shortly after the cleaning.
AT HOME
Home care is an essential part of keeping your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape. “The best time to start a dental routine is when you first bring home a puppy or kitten,” Dr. Cruz explains. “Your first goal is just to get her used to having her teeth and gums touched.”
Dr. Lyon suggests starting by simply wiping your pet’s teeth with a damp washcloth wrapped around your finger. Offer your pet lots of praise for being cooperative. After she has gotten used to the washcloth, she can graduate to a toothbrush. This method can also work on an older pet that has not previously received home dental care.
Once you are ready to start brushing your pet’s teeth, you will need two essentials:
- Toothpaste specially formulated for pets. Pet toothpaste comes in all kinds of interesting flavors, including vanilla, beef, chicken, and seafood. It is best to stay away from human toothpaste, which can irritate your pet’s stomach if she swallows it.
- A toothbrush. A soft toothbrush or one that has been specially developed for pets (e.g., a little rubber finger brush for cats, a smaller brush for small dogs) is your best bet. You can always ask your veterinarian for advice on making the brushing experience a positive one for you and your four-legged friend.
You will find that regular professional cleanings as well as the simple act of daily brushing will help keep your pet healthier throughout her life. A little extra care in the short run will lead to important health benefits for years to come.
TOOTH BRUSHING TIPS
- Dampen the toothbrush first.
- Press the toothpaste down to the bottom of the brush. This will help keep your pet from licking the toothpaste off the brush.
- Take your time introducing this new routine into your pet’s life.
FIGHTING DENTAL DISEASE WITH FOOD
Diet can play a role in maintaining your pet’s dental health. Specially formulated dental diets are effective in fighting plaque and tartar buildup. For added assurance, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance. You can also ask your veterinary staff which diet they recommend.
A SUCCESS STORY: PERRY
Before: At 7 years old, Perry had not received any dental care and, as a result, was suffering from inflamed gums and bad breath. To correct Perry’s poor dental health before it worsened, his veterinarian gave this Australian shepherd a thorough oral exam, followed by appropriate periodontal therapy that included scaling above and below the gumline. In addition, Perry’s owner was given simple maintenance recommendations:
- Start Perry on Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Canine t/d® right away
- Begin brushing Perry’s teeth with pet toothpaste
- Bring in Perry for annual oral exams
After: As it turned out, Perry was not willing to have his teeth brushed, but he did enjoy eating his new Canine t/d® dental diet. At the recheck visit, Perry’s veterinarian assured the owner that Canine t/d® has been shown to be effective even without toothbrushing. The owner was relieved and is happy that Perry’s risk of dental disease will be reduced because of the regular dental exams and the new food.