Clinton Parkway

Dental Care

With recent advances in veterinary medicine, it has become obvious that dental care is one of the most important things you can do to add years and quality to your pet’s life.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue. It is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets.

How a simple dental infection spreads…
Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar. Without treatment, this plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease.

Chew on these facts:

• Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets.
• An astounding 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.
• Symptoms of gum disease in pets include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath.
• Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs, particularly smaller breeds due to the small dogs’ teeth being too large for their mouths forcing the teeth closer together.
• Oral resorptive line lesions are the most common tooth disease in cats. These are painful lesions that occur along the gum line of the tooth.
  
  
  

Is periodontal disease harmful to my pet?

The infection caused by periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is where the danger lies.

Good dental care is important because…

• The natural buildup of tartar leads to gingivitis, a painful gum infection.
• If your pet now has halitosis (bad breath), just imagine what it must be like for him to have to live with that odor in his mouth 24 hours a day!
• Diseased gums and teeth can lead to other diseases such as endocarditis (heart valve infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

What steps are involved in a dental cleaning?

• Scaling the tartar from above and below the gum line, using both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment.
• Polishing “smoothes down” the surfaces, making them more resistant to plaque formation.
• Flushing with a special antiseptic solution rids the mouth of bacteria so they do not invade gums, which may have been irritated during cleaning.
• Antibiotics are usually necessary since tooth and gum diseases are already present in most pets.
• Fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel and decreases the rate of plaque buildup.

CPAH Video on Dental Health Care in Pets

Anesthesia safety

All anesthetic procedures are closely monitored by our highly trained nursing staff to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort before, during, and after the dental procedure. Learn more about anesthesia safety at CPAH

What is expected of me?
Pick up all food at 6 p.m. Water can be left out all night. Most pets should be started on antibiotics two days prior to the dental procedure.

How much will this cost?
It is much less expensive to maintain your pet’s oral health than it is to treat severe tooth or gum disease later in life, not to mention the discomfort you may save your pet.

Our staff will be happy to discuss any questions you might have about the costs involved in cleaning your pet’s teeth. We can help you choose the level of pre-anesthetic blood testing based on your pet’s age and general health status. Learn more about the importance of pre-anesthetic testing

We may need to call you if problems are found. Please leave a phone number where we can contact you that morning. If you will be unavailable, please talk to one of the doctors when you leave your pet with us in the morning.

Healthymouth

Healthymouth is added daily to your pets’ drinking water; the formula safely cleans teeth and gums, reducing plaque by over 70%, oral bacteria that causes inflammation leading to dental disease and inhibiting the bacteria and germs that are the source of halitosis. We have found Healthymouth to be superior to all other resources other than daily brushing of your pet’s teeth.

“Seal the Deal” with OraVet

What is OraVet?

OraVet is an inert, waxy polymer that adheres to the teeth, creating an invisible, physical barrier between the oral bacteria and the crown of the tooth. By preventing the adherence of bacteria, the production of plaque and tartar are reduced both above and below the gum line.

Is OraVet effective?

A study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry showed a statistical improvement in plaque, calculus, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding in dogs receiving the product compared to controls.

How is OraVet applied?

• OraVet does NOT remove plaque and calculus so it is important to have a complete dental cleaning before application. Once the teeth are cleaned and thoroughly dried, the high viscosity, professional product (OraVet Barrier Sealant) is applied. This product will produce a waxy barrier lasting 10 to 14 days.
• OvaVet is dispensed in a home care packet (OraVet Prevention Gel) containing eight weekly applications.
• OraVet need only be applied to the outer surface of the tooth and can be conveniently applied with either the sponge applicators in the packet or with your finger. Application in most cases takes less than 60 seconds.

Additional website resources:

Instructive video by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on periodontal disease and brushing your pet’s teeth