Dental Care - Preventing Periodontal Disease

85% of pets have periodontal disease by age 3

Out of all the members of one’s family, the chances are it will not be difficult to guess who has the worst dental hygiene: the pets. They do not brush their teeth nor do they floss and this goes on for years. If you are ever curious as to what happens if teeth go for years without brushing (or you want to show your children what will become of their teeth should they fail to brush regularly), you have only to look at your pet’s teeth and smell your pet’s breath.

How does dental disease progress:

• Plaque forms on teeth. Plaque is a combination of colonized bacteria, minerals, and saliva in a biofilm.
  • Plaque can be easily wiped off. Calculus or Tartar is plaque that has absorbed calcium from the saliva and become calcified. This must be removed by scaling; it does not wipe off.
• Plaque migrates under the gumline into the sulcus.
• The sulcus becomes inflamed. = Gingivitis
• Inflammation increases as the body reacts to the bacteria.
• Inflammatory reaction leads to the breakdown of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone = Periodontal Disease
• Infection persists and may lead to heart or kidney infection.

What happens during a dental?

• The pet must undergo general anesthesia for a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment. While human patients can be told to sit still and open their mouths wide, pets do not understand why we are cleaning their teeth, and can cause injury to themselves and the staff if awake for the procedure. 
• A full oral exam is done, and each and every tooth is evaluated and charted. The veterinary technician will note heavy calculus, missing teeth, fractures, or any other abnormalities in the mouth. 
• This will be followed by an ultrasonic scaling. Just like the tools used in your dentist's office, the scaler removes all the tartar build up, making the teeth white and shiny. 
• Following scaling, all the teeth will be polished and a fluoride treatment is applied to keep bacteria from moving back under the gumline.

Home Care:
To ensure good oral health, it is recommended you begin brushing with a small toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste every 1-3 days. Flushing the mouth with an oral rinse and/or using a water additive will also help promote healthy dental hygiene. Bacteria and plaque begin to coat the teeth 12 hours after cleaning. C.E.T. chews are also a great way to help scrape tartar off the surface of the teeth. Check out our dental display shelf for all of your pet's dental needs!

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In-House Products

Dentahex Oral Rinse: 

• ​For use after each meal, palatable and supports healthy teeth and gums while keeping their teeth healthy and clean

​Perio Plus Feline Bites:

• Dental support formula designed to control plaque, freshen breath, and support healthy gums in a convenient, dual action bite

Vetradent Water Additive:

• ​Odorless and tasteless
• Scientifically formulated to control tartar when added to your pet's daily drinking water

CET VeggieDent Fresh:

• Helps maintain fresh breath
• Z-shape design is easy for your dog to grab and chew
• Helps reduce plaque and tartar formation through chewing when given daily

CET HEXtra Chews:

• ​​Working with the dog's chewing action, these chews reduce plaque and tartar, helping keep teeth clean and breath fresh

Dual Ended Toothbrushes:

• ​​Long handle with reverse angle allows for easy application in dogs or cats. Tapered end conforms to pet’s mouth and teeth. Dual-ended for large and small tooth surfaces. Soft bristles ensure a gentle, well-tolerated application.

Perio Support:

• Designed to be mixed into your dogs regular diet
  
• Penetrates plaque and support gum health, which helps maintain clean teeth and fresh breath

CET Enzymatic Toothpaste:

• ​Specially formulated to be safe, effective, and appealing to your dog or cat
  
• Inhibits the formation of plaque, contains no foaming agents, and is meant to be swallowed
  
• Flavors are well accepted by pets and make brushing easy

Schedule a dental cleaning with us and receive a FREE dental product to take home!

*A toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste count as one item
*Perio Support 16oz. is not available as a free item