Dental Disease Update: What’s New

As you may already be aware, dental disease in our pets is a major issue.

Have you ever noticed your pet having any or all of the following?

  • Bad breath (Halitosis).
  • Red or swollen gums (Gingivitis).
  • Soft, pus-like material on the side of the tooth surface (Plaque).
  • A brown, hard, crust-like material on the side of the tooth surface (Calculi/Tartar).
  • Root exposure (which is part of the progression of Periodontitis).
  • Loose or missing teeth.
  • Discomfort when the mouth, gums, or teeth are touched.
  • Difficulty chewing.
  • Showing interest in food, but not wanting to eat.  Or, no longer eating dry (kibble) food, and preferring the softer canned foods.
  • Drooling.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, your pet should be examined.

If your pet’s dental disease is significant, a dentistry procedure is the first recommendation.  A complete dental cleaning is done under anesthesia.  The procedure involves removing deposits of plaque, calculus, and debris from the teeth and under the gum’s (gingival) surface.

Also, there are numerous prophylactic (supportive) treatments which can help preserve your pet’s dental health.  The goal of prophylaxis is to help slow (delay) the ongoing progression of dental disease.  These include:

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste formulated for your pet.  (This is the #1 “best” prophylactic treatment you can do for your pet.)

Specially formulated prescription tartar control diets from your veterinarian such as Hill's (the Science Diet company) t/d, Royal Canin's dental formula, or Purina's dental formula. (This is the #2 "best" prophylactic treatment you can do for your pet.)

Oral rinses such as Virbac’s C.E.T. Oral Rinse.  For some people and their pets, this is easier than brushing.  And, it can help slow the speed at which plaque forms and gingivitis occurs.

Special chew treats that have toothpaste enhancements can be provided.

OraVet, which is a once-a-week at-home applied protective barrier product that has the ability to slow down bacterial attachment to your pet’s teeth, and thereby slow the formation of plaque and tartar.

If you have questions pertaining to these instructions or to any aspect of your pet’s health care, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK US.