HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY PET'S TEETH CHECKED?
During the first year, your pet should have its teeth checked at all puppy and kitten examinations, at the time of spaying or neutering and after the examination for any retained "baby teeth" (which is performed at six months).
Your pet should have an annual checkup for dental health when it receives its yearly booster vaccines.
DO PETS GET CAVITIES LIKE HUMANS?
Cavities are not common in pets, but do occur occasionally. Cats are prone to "subgingival caries", the gum lines exceed excessively, exposing the dentin layer that is much softer than enamel.
WHY DOES MY DOG OR CAT HAVE BAD BREATH?
The most common cause of bad breath is excessive tartar deposits on the teeth. Bacteria feed and live in the tartar and produce offensive odors. Tartar is a crusty collection of food particles, minerals and bacteria that form at the tooth/gum borders. However, metabolic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, etc. can also produce halitosis.
DOES TARTAR ON THE TEETH HURT MY PET?
Yes. As tartar accumulates at the gum line, it causes gum recession and inflammation or "gingivitis". This allows bacteria in the tartar to infect and loosen the base of the tooth, causing periodontal disease. The spread of bacteria, resulting from periodontal disease, may lead to an infection of the heart (endocarditis), kidney and/or other organs. Inflammation of the gums and infection of the teeth can cause your pet considerable pain, and his/her appetite and general attitude may deteriorate.
HOW CAN I PREVENT TARTAR BUILDUP?
Feed your pet a well-balanced, commercial food. Brushing the teeth is an excellent way to check tartar build-up, though once hard plaque has developed, your pet may require teeth cleaning. Brushing with C.E.T., a flavored toothpaste designed for pets, 2-3 times weekly, discourages tartar build-up.
For dogs, Booda bones, Nylabones, or large rawhide chew toys are also helpful as a preventative and aid in stimulation of the gums. If your pet does not let you brush its teeth, you may use one of the pre-made mouthwashes e.g. Nolvadent. Alternatively, if you cannot provide maintenance, you may need to have us perform full dental scaling and polishing on a more frequent basis.
WHEN IS DENTISTRY REQUIRED?
Dentistry is required when hardened tartar deposits have occurred and/or when periodontal disease is present. It is also required when substantial mouth odor exists, which indicates infection or decay even if it is not readily apparent.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEETH REMAIN CLEAN?
This depends on diet, dental alignment, amount of gum recession that has already occurred and future care of the teeth. Smaller breed dogs tend to develop tartar much more quickly; in most cases this is a genetic predisposition and not something the owner can readily modify. However, the degree to which the owner provides ongoing dental prophylaxis heavily influences the outcome!
The importance of good dental health cannot be overemphasized. Keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy allow your pet to lead a healthier, longer life.
