Dental Health
Just how important is Dental Health to your pet?
Check this out!
Before
After
Before
After
We stained the tartar in the second "before picture" to show you
just what is lurking behind the mild discoloration in your pet's teeth. This tartar
can be very hazardous to your pet's health...Let us tell you why...
Proper Dental Hygiene
for Your Pet
Preventative dental care is just as important for your pet
as it is for people. Yet it is still one of the most neglected health needs by
owners. While cavities do occur in dogs and cats (more so in cats), it is the
periodontal gum disease that is the most common and serious dental problem. Most
pets show signs by the age of 3.
Periodontal Disease is caused by
a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This results in inflammation and
infection of the gums and loosening of the teeth.
Plaque, a sticky, colorless, bacteria-laden
film, forms continuously on the teeth. If not removed, tartar forms at the
gumline. Gradually, bacteria infects
the gum tissue and the root of the tooth, eroding the underlying bone that secures
the teeth. Without treatment, the gums recede, forming pockets that fill with
bacteria. Eventually, the teeth will fall out.
Teeth and gums are very near a
large network of blood vessels. With extensive build-up of plaque, tartar and
bacteria, these blood vessels pick up bacteria and carry it to other parts of
your beloved pet's body. This accumulation of bacteria can weaken the liver, kidneys,
and heart, lowering your pet's resistance to illnesses.
Pets generally do not show warning
signs of dental disease; most suffer in silence. Some will show discomfort or
pain while eating and some pets will even be depressed and only consume small
amounts of food. In older animals, many owners mistakenly blame these signs on
"old age."
Bad breath and drooling are frequent
signs of dental disease. Pet's teeth are normally white and smooth. Healthy gums
are pink, smooth and tightly adhere to the teeth. Plaque and tartar occur under
the gum as well as on the crown. Affected gums are thickened, red, and bleed easily.
If any of these warning signs are present, your pet needs veterinary attention.
We,
at Angelcare offer a free diagnosis of dental disease
to our patients. We use a plaque identifying solution so that owners may see the
extent of the disease in their pets.
The best factor in prevention of your pet's oral care is home
care. This includes a proper diet with some dry or crunchy food to stimulate the
gums and reduce buildup of plaque and tartar. Regular brushing of your pet's teeth
for the removal and/or prevention of plaque is the most important procedure. People
are the ones who choose the level of oral hygiene - pets depend on their owners
to choose wisely.
A healthy pet
is a happy pet!!!
A Dental Health Program
for you and your pet:
Prevention is the best defense
against periodontal disease. Regular visits to Angelcare
for the removal of hardened tartar build-up are the first step. Proper care at
home, however, is the Most Important Factor in protecting your pet's oral health.
-
Proper diet that includes
dry, crunchy food helps stimulate gums and eliminates some of the plaque accumulation.
-
Brushing your pet's teeth
on a regular basis helps prevent periodontal disease.
Start your Dental Health Program slowly.
Start handling your pet's mouth by running your finger along
the lip side of the gum and tooth line. Clicker Training helps further this process...make
it fun and rewarding. Do it consistently. Your pet will pick up signals from you
- if you're comfortable, he will be too.
Once your pet has accepted this brief handling of his mouth,
wrap a piece of gauze or cloth around your finger and rub off some of the outer
layers of plaque from the tooth's surface. After your pet is used to the cloth
or gauze, start adding a little pet toothpaste...Do NOT use human toothpaste,
as he cannot spit like we do, and he must ingest what goes into his mouth.
After your pet is used to the cloth, try a special soft-bristle
toothbrush made for animals. Gently hold the mouth closed with one hand, and lift
his lip on one side and brush the outside surfaces of the teeth. A back-and-forth
motion is most practical, but like humans, a circular motion is most effective.
Concentrate mainly on the cheek side of the teeth and gums - this is where the
salivary glands are located and where most problems occur. Pets require little
care on the inside of teeth, unlike humans. The action of your pet's tongue helps
the cleaning process in that area.
The entire process of brushing should only take a couple of
minutes and should be done at least twice a week. Give praise and a treat for
cooperation on this very important procedure. This care will tremendously improve
your pet's dental health and reduce the need for professional treatment.
Home care, coupled with periodic examination and treatment
will make a significant difference in your pet's health, longevity, and happiness.
262-886-3337
or 262-886-8728