Pet Dental Month

Pet Dental Month at AHOS

AHOS wants to shine some light on pet dental care. We are declaring November as dental health month at AHOS. We are equipped with a full dental suite for your pets' needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Dental Care

What kinds of dental problems do pets have

Dental disease is as common in dogs and cats as it is in humans. Some dogs and cats need yearly cleanings; others need a cleaning only once every few years.

 

 

                                                                 

 

                                                                   

    What does tartar do to the teeth?

    If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, several things may happen:

 

1) The tartar will mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This allows the teeth to loosen in their sockets and   infection to enter the root socket, causing the teeth to fall out or need to be extracted.

2) Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis (irritation of tthe gums) around the base of the teeth), tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily suppress the infection, if the tartar is not removed from the teeth, infection will quickly return.

3) Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney and liver infections, as well as infections involving the heart valves, frequently begin in the mouth.

 

 

Dental Disease

What is involved in cleaning my pets’ teeth?

Proper cleaning of the teeth requires complete cooperation of the patient so plaque and tartar can be removed properly. Anesthesia may be required to thoroughly clean the teeth.

Scaling

removes the tartar above and below the gum line. This is done
with hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment

Polishing

makes the surface of the teeth smooth so they are resistant to
additional plaque formation.

Flushing

removes dislodged tartar from the teeth and helps to remove the
bacteria that accompany tartar.

Fluoride

decreases teeth sensitivity, strengthens enamel, and
decreases the rate of future plaque formation.

 

Home Dental Care 

Why should I brush my pets’ teeth?

Daily removal of plaque is the key to an effective oral hygiene program. AHOS also carries a dental spray, Vetradent, that can be used to aid in dailey dental care. Unless dental care is done daily, plaque will build up at the gum line. Eventually calculus forms, which further irritates the gums, and infection progresses to loosen and destroy the attachment of the adult tooth. In addition to loose teeth, infection under the gum line can spread to the liver, kidneys and heart.

How can I brush my pets' teeth?

It is usually a very easy and, if approached in an upbeat manner, fun procedure. First pick a soft bristled or finger toothbrush. A bristled toothbrush made specifically for dogs/cats is best because they are angled to easily reach the back teeth and the bristles are quite soft. You will need enzymatic toothpaste from your veterinarian. Do not use human toothpaste because it contains detergents that should not be swallowed. Push the toothpaste down in between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth. Approach your pet in a happy and gentle manner. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth to wipe the teeth front and back in the same manner you will be using the brush. Do this twice a day for two weeks. Couple it with something pleasant for your pet like a treat or play session. After two weeks you should introduce the toothbrush with only water on the bristles. Start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the toothpaste.