Home Dental Care
Untreated dental disease can lead to tooth loss and life threatening diseases. Bacteria from tooth decay and gum disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream and result in infection in the heart, lungs, and other body parts of the body. It is estimated that 85%-90% of all pets over the age of three years old suffer from some degree of tooth decay and gum disease.
Deposits of plaque build-up on your pet’s teeth. When it remains on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns to tartar, which causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and breaks down ligaments that connect the teeth with bone and gum tissue (periodontitis). Home dental care as well as early and proper prophylactic teeth cleaning prevents these problems. Home dental care is vital to prevent plaque build-up and tartar. Many dental care products are available and we will be happy to advise you regarding the best option for your pet.
BRUSHING YOUR PET’S TEETH
You can train your pet to accept regular brushing by gently rubbing your finger over the outer surface of their teeth and gums. Apply CET Enzymatic Toothpaste to your finger to get them used to the flavor. Never use human toothpaste as this can be toxic if swallowed. A gauze sponge or rubber finger brush can be used to provide some abrasion to the teeth once your pet is used to the toothpaste. As your pet becomes accustomed to this, you can slowly begin using a pet toothbrush, which has very soft bristles. You should hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and rotate it in small circles on the area where the gums and teeth meet. For the most effective cleaning, you should brush your pet’s teeth every evening after the last meal.
CET ORAL HYGIENE RINSE
This product is used daily to decrease oral bacteria, reduce plaque development, and therefore reduce tartar build-up. Just a gentle squeeze into your pet’s mouth daily, will leave your pet with cleaner teeth and fresh breath while providing soothing, temporary relief from minor gum irritation. The antibacterial and breath freshening agents lasts 24 hours.
CET ENZYMATIC ORAL HYGIENE CHEWS
Chewing helps slow the build-up of plaque through mechanical action and increased saliva flow. The enzymes found in these chews will break down the bacteria in the mouth to further improve oral hygiene. The chews are formulated to be easily digestible, unlike other commercial rawhides, and will not obstruct the digestive tract.
PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING
Even with regular dental care at home, your pet will eventually develop tartar and therefore need a professional dental cleaning. A complete oral exam is performed under anesthesia. The teeth are then scaled to remove tartar build-up, polished then a fluoride treatment is applied. Attention is paid to the area below the gum line where “hidden” problems arise. Any tooth extractions or periodontal therapy needed can be done now. We are also proud to offer digital dental x-ray, which is key in diagnosing and resolving underlying issues. Your pet goes home the same day, but with a healthier, more comfortable mouth and fresher smelling breath. Routine dental care will help keep your pet’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible, and positively contribute to the overall health of your pet.