Dental Care at Home for Your Pet

Our last post was dedicated to educating our clients about the importance of dental care for your pets and what we as a practice can provide. The next most important pieces information that we can provide to you concern what YOU can do at home to ensure proper dental health for your furry loved ones.

Dr. Bowden passes along these tips for good home practices for keeping pearly whites in tip top shape:I am convinced that most of our patients over 3 have some degree of periodontal disease and many of those are suffering in silence. Time and time again, I have seen renewed vitality, health, and happiness in my patients following surgical extraction of one or more painful, infected teeth.

In additional to regular exams and professional cleanings, your pet needs daily attention at home. Imagine what would happen if you didn't brush your teeth for 6 months to a year!

Annual dental cleanings are no substitute for daily home care. Less than one month after a professional dental cleaning, plaque and bacteria are found on the teeth and below the gum line.

+ The efficient daily use of a soft-bristled toothbrush, with appropriate animal toothpaste, remains the only proven method for long term control of plaque and gum disease.

Judicious home care can prolong the interval between professional dental cleanings, although most pets will need annual cleanings for optimal oral cavity health. Our registered dental technicians can demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques for you.

+ Chewing exercise is also beneficial as it stimulates natural teeth cleaning and protection mechanisms.

+ There are many products now available to augment your home dental care program. We recommend CET chews for dogs and cats and any over-the-counter product that carries the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval on the product label.Be sure to look for that seal of approval as many consumer products claim to produce results, but may not be best for your pet.