Don't Forget To Brush!!

Patient before having his teeth cleaned with tartar and heavy staining on his canine teeth, premolars, and molars

Patient after dental. Look at those pearly whites!!!

Dental disease is one of the major problems seen in veterinary medicine, both in dogs and in cats. Tartar can build up on the animal's teeth and harden to form plaque. Once the plaque reaches a certain point, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease form. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the blood stream and cause heart, liver, and kidney problems. It is very important to have your pet's teeth examined by your veterinarian every 6-12 months. A dental can be performed on your dog or cat that involves ultrascaling and polishing just like at your dentist. Extractions may also be needed if there are any loose teeth or root exposure. The pet comes in the morning of the procedure (with no food or water past midnight the night before) and bloodwork is performed to make sure the pet is healthy enough to be put under anesthesia. If the bloodwork is normal, the patient is anesthetized and the teeth are scaled and polished. The pet wakes up a short time later and can go home late that same afternoon. If your pet's breath stinks or you notice a discoloration of the teeth or gums, have the teeth checked by your vet. Once the heavy tartar is removed during the procedure, owners can start brushing the pet's teeth at home. This is done using a toothpaste made specifically for pets and a small pet toothbrush. The teeth should be brushed at least 4 times a week to hopefully make a difference and prolong the time in between professional dentals.

There won't be a blog post Friday or Monday so have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter!!!