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Maintaining excellent oral health for your pets is a major component to their overall physical health.
As plaque and tartar accumulate, irritation of the gums (gingivitis) results.
Inflamed gums are more prone to bleeding and this bleeding is a perfect pathway for
the introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that bacteria
from the mouth can have serious effects on vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Some signs to look for that would indicate a problem in the mouth are:
Persistent bad breath
Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
Gingivitis
Tartar build up
Pawing or being sensitive around the mouth
An oral exam with a nurse or veterinarian will determine if a prophylaxis (dental cleaning) is needed.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Why are regular dental cleanings important for my pet?
Untreated plaque and tartar can contribute to bad breath, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Chronic bacterial infection in the mouth destroys the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria can spread throughout the entire body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart. Dental cleanings will greatly help in preventing/reducing dental disease.
2. What services are included in a dental cleaning?
There are many components to a dental cleaning which vary depending on the procedures your pet needs. Since anesthesia is required to perform dental cleaning for animals, many of the services are related to anesthesia and safety measures. All animals that will be undergoing a dental procedure will have pre-operative bloodwork and an evaluation by a veterinarian. They will also have pain management prior to, during, and after the procedure, intravenous catheter and fluids, anesthesia and anesthesia monitoring, ultrasonic tooth scaling/polishing and fluoride treatment. Depending on the condition of your pet's teeth, they may also need dental x-rays, extractions of hopelessly diseased teeth, pain medication for use at home, or oral antibiotics. For further clarification, please ask to see a copy of our dental book. (link)
3. Why does it cost more for my pet to have their teeth
cleaned than mine?
The main difference is that pets require general anesthesia for dental cleanings and humans do not. Prior to the anesthesia, blood is tested to ensure their safety while under anesthesia. During the procedure, they are monitored closely (pulse, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, body temperature) and are kept well hydrated with intravenous fluids.
4. Who does the dental cleanings? What does the doctor do?
Similar to your dental cleaning experience, a licensed veterinary nurse performs the procedures under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. The doctors examine and make all decisions and recommended treatments for any dental or gum disease discovered at the time of the cleaning.
5. What if I feed my pet another diet with tartar control in it?
The diet you feed your pet may have a tarter control component and may help in some way with dental care. Our doctors compared many dental diets and studies showed that Hills T/DŽ is the most effective.
6. What benefit does the fluoride provide?
After the ultrasonic scaling, polishing and rinsing, the licensed nurse will apply fluoride to your pet's teeth. The fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect any sensitive areas on the teeth. The fluoride used in pet dentals is different from the fluoride used for people. NEVER use human toothpaste with your pet!
7. Will my pet be in pain?
We make every effort to make the dental cleaning experience safe with minimal pain. Prior to the dental, we give your pet pain medication. During the dental, more pain medication may be administered. Nerve blocks are often used to decrease pain at tooth extraction sites. After the dental cleaning we give more pain and anti-inflammatory medication. We may also send home pain medication if more extensive dental work was performed and pain may be anticipated once your pet is home.
8. Why do they have to stay all day?
Dental cleanings for your pet requires anesthesia and pets need to be under a veterinarians care while they are waking up from anesthesia. We will communicate with you throughout the day to advise you of progress and a good time to pick up your pet. Please refer to our dental book for the step-by-step details of the day's events. (link)
9. How often will my pet need a dental cleaning?
There are several factors that contribute to the recommendation the doctor will make regarding the frequency of dental cleanings for your pet.
- Poor Oral Hygiene - Your pet needs dental care, just like you. This includes routine veterinary dental checkups and home care.
- Breed - Overcrowded or misaligned teeth can contribute to tarter accumulation which will contribute to gingivitis and periodontal disease. These are more often a problem for smaller breed dogs. Certain cat breeds are also more likely to develop periodontal disease.
- Age - Periodontal disease is more common as pets get older.
10. What is Oravet?
A wax-like polymer, adheres to the tooth's surface and reportedly produces an invisible barrier that reduces plaque and tartar accumulations by preventing bacteria from adhering to the tooth surface. Applied weekly, it is designed to withstand regular brushing, dental diets, and chew toys.
11. I heard that there is a dental vaccine. Is that true and can
my pet get the vaccine?
The Porphyromonas vaccine aids in the prevention of canine periodontitis as demonstrated by a reduction in bone changes. Periodontitis, the most common bacterial infection in dogs, can lead to long-term effects such as tooth loss if left untreated.
Even with the use of the Porphyromonas vaccine, tartar and plaque may still develop. Therefore, the Porphyromonas vaccine can be used as a part of a total dental care package that includes at-home care and professional cleanings. A program of daily tooth brushing, appropriate dental chew toys and feeding a specially formulated dog food for dental disease is strongly recommended to help remove plaque between regularly scheduled cleanings.
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