Pet Dental Care
Dental health leads to more than fresh breath. If you don’t take care of your pet’s teeth, tartar and gum disease can lead to problems with the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Getting your pet’s dental needs met will go a long way towards ensuring a long and healthy life.
Pet Dental Care
DOGS – Four-fifths of all dogs show some sign of gum disease at age 3, with smaller dogs having more problems.
CATS – Cats fare only slightly better than dogs, with 70% exhibiting some signs of gum disease by age 3. Almost one-third of all cats will develop a painful cervical line lesion at some point in their lifetime.
To maximize your pet’s quality of life, be sure to take care of their teeth and gums! Our staff can provide advice on preventive dental care. Schedule an annual Preventive Care Exam, which includes an oral exam to determine if further veterinary dental care is required.
All pets are at risk for developing dental problems, so it is important to check your pet’s mouth and teeth often for warning signs, such as bad breath; tartar buildup on the teeth; swollen, receding, or bleeding gums; fractured or abscessed teeth; and a change in eating habits. Bring your pet to us if any of these symptoms are present.
Brushing Strategies
Try the C.E.T. Finger brush to control plaque, help with fresh breath, and prevent dental problems. After affixing the toothbrush to your finger with a little enzymatic toothpaste, rub the brush in a circular motion on the outside of your pet’s teeth. Eighty percent of the plaque and tartar are formed on the outside surface of the teeth, so don’t worry about the inside if your pet won’t tolerate you brushing there. You want this to be a pleasant experience for your pet so that you can do it regularly, and you certainly don’t want to get bit! The most important area to focus on is the gum line, where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Keeping your pet’s mouth closed while brushing allows for an effective working of the teeth surface with the brush. Your effort should be concentrated on the back teeth, then work your way forward to the front teeth. Don’t use human toothpaste. Swallowing it may cause stomach problems. If you would like an alternative to the finger brush, you can purchase a C.E.T. toothbrush with a long handle from us, or you can use a soft child’s brush or an inexpensive electric toothbrush purchased from your local drugstore.