Dentistry

General information

Dental calculus (tartar) is composed of various mineral salts, organic material and food particles. In the early stages of accumulation, the material is soft (plaque) but later hardens and adheres to the teeth. Continual accumulation causes inflam­mation of the gums and eventual recession of the gums and loose teeth. The breath becomes very odorous and the mouth becomes a dangerous source of infection. This "periodontal disease" may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability.

Untreated tooth and gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart, as well as kidney infections.

Dental Cleaning

Every dental cleaning includes a complete physical exam including:

• Testing to determine anesthesia safety.
• Use of light anesthesia to ensure pet comfort.
• Scaling the teeth to remove tartar above and below the gum line is done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment.
• Polishing the teeth after scaling is important to "smooth down" the surfaces, to increase resistance of plaque formation.
• Antiseptic flushing rids the mouth of bacteria protecting gums during the cleaning.
• Fluoride coating decreases teeth sensitivity, strengthens enamel, fights bacteria, decreases plaque formation

Your pet can be dropped off in the morning and generally picked-up at the end of the day.

Prevention

• Daily Brushing: Brush your pet's teeth periodi cally using a pet toothpaste
• Healthy Diet: Feed hard or coarse foods (dry food preferable)
• Dental Exercise: Provide rawhide, hard rubber or hard treat foods.
• Check Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups at least yearly for professional cleaning by the Veterinarian.

Home dental care can be the best gift you can give your companion. It requires a little more time on your part, but goes such a long way to preventing disease and dis­comfort that it is quite well worth it.