Dental Disease & Prevention

General Information

• Common in cats & dogs

• Instead of cavities, like in humans, animals have a build-up of tartar causing irritation, and inevitably resulting in root exposure/infection.

• Few diets are able to remove tartar from the teeth – Therefore, once tartar build-up has formed, professional dental cleaning is necessary.

• Individual chemistry plays a role in how much dental tartar will form in your pet’s teeth.

  • Some pets need multiple cleanings a year, while others need only once every four years.

• If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth:

  • Tartar will push the gums away from the teeth, exposing the root. The tooth will loosen, allowing infection to enter the root socket.

  • The infection will accumulate resulting in gingivitis, tonsillitis, or sore throat Antibiotics can alleviate infection temporarily, but the infection will always return.

  • The infection will enter the bloodstream and be carried to other parts of the body. Kidney and heart infections frequently begin in the mouth.

Preventing tartar build-up

• Multiple treats are on the market to enzymatically break down tartar. (i.e. C.E.T treats, Greenies, Veggie Dents, etc.)

• Brushing the teeth regularly

• DentaHex Oral Rinse: A rinse used after every meal to prevent tartar build-up.

Proper cleaning

• Requires anesthesia

  • Anesthesia always carries a degree of risk, but proper precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the pet.

• Four steps in cleaning;

  • Scaling: Removes the tartar above and below the gum line.

  • Polishing: Smoothes the teeth’ surfaces making them resistant to additional plaque formation.

  • Flushing: Removes dislodged tartar from teeth & helps remove the bacteria

  • Dental Radiographs: Allows a clear view of the root structure, ensuring there is no infection under the gum line.

How to Brush Teeth

The best time to brush a dog’s teeth is after the evening meal when both you and your pet are relaxed. If your dog growls, bites, scratches, or shows any other signs of aggression during the procedure, stop immediately and consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

Step 1

Gently position the dog in a corner (of a sofa, chair, or room) so that he will be secure and more easily handled. Carefully lift the dog’s lips to expose his teeth.

Step 2

Rub your finger over the dog’s teeth and gums for a minute or so. This will get the dog used to having something in his mouth. It might be necessary to do this a couple of days before going on to the next step

Step 3

Put a small amount of toothpaste specially formulated for pets on your finger and allow the pet to taste it.

Step 4

Slide a finger brush onto your index finger and put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. Gently rub the brush over the dog’s teeth and gums. If necessary, repeat this process in the next brushing session. Because finger brushes don’t reach the gum line, they should be used for as short of a time as necessary.

Step 5

Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a bristle brush. Place the brush bristles at a 45˚ angle to the gum line. Move the brush gently in circular patterns over the dog’s teeth. Start by brushing a few teeth. As the brushing sessions continue, slowly include more teeth. Teeth should also be brushed in a back and forth motion. Build up to about 30 seconds on each side of the dog’s mouth.

Tips for Success

• Brush your dog’s teeth at least two or three times per week.

• Concentrate on the outside of the teeth.

• Praise the dog frequently during the procedure.

• If your dog tolerates only a brief brushing, don’t be discouraged. Getting some toothpaste onto the teeth and gums is better than not brushing at all.

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