Brushing Your Pets Teeth
Brushing Your Pets Teeth
For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has
been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. We understand
that without this daily attention, and without regular visits to the dentist,
serious problems with our teeth and gums eventually would result. Your dog and
cat need dental care too - regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as
well as care at home from you.
THE PROBLEMS THAT MAY LEAD TO TOOTH LOSS
Plaque is a colorless film composed of bacteria, proteins, sugars, white blood
cells, minerals, and water. It forms naturally and continuously on teeth and
gums. As with people, within 24 hours of a professional cleaning and polishing,
even a healthy mouth will show evidence of plaque accumulation. Invisible to the
unaided eye for days or weeks, plaque accumulation may lead to mouth odor, pain,
infection and tooth loss.
AS PLAQUE BUILDS UP THE GUMS BECOME INFLAMED
Pockets of infection may form around the roots of the tooth. After mixing with
food particles and minerals in saliva, some of the plaque will harden as it
dries. This hard deposit is called tartar, and like plaque it can contribute to
periodontal disease (gum disease). Eventually, the bone and ligament that
support the tooth are destroyed and the tooth is lost.
THE NEED FOR PREVENTION
All dogs and cats are at risk for developing these kinds of dental problems. For
dogs, smaller breeds have the highest prevalence. Once your pet displays
the warning signs - mouth odor, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gum
line, pain or bleeding when your dog eats or when its mouth or gums are touched
-irreversible periodontal disease may result. But you shouldn't wait for these
signs before starting a program of veterinary supervised preventive dental care.
Here are three important steps you should
follow for a complete oral care program:
STEP 1. VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN
In addition to giving your dog a thorough physical examination and taking a
complete medical history, the doctor may use a dye to make plaque more visible
during the oral exam. Based on the results of your exam, your doctor may
recommend a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth.
STEP 2. START YOUR DENTAL CARE ROUTINE AT HOME
Plaque should be removed mechanically every day. Brushing your dog's teeth can
accomplish this, as well as a new type of pet food called Prescription Diet'
Canine ttd',~ available exclusively from your veterinarian. Brushing. Use a
tooth brush and toothpaste designed for dogs; common household toothpaste may
cause stomach upset. Ask your veterinarian about the procedures for
brushing. Training your dog to adapt to brushing may take several days or even
weeks.
Prescription diet Canine and feline t/d is a specially designed dietary food that can help reduce the accumulation of plaque from the teeth while your dog is eating. It utilizes an oversized kibble that gently scrubs the surface of your pets teeth as it chews, without using active chemical ingredients or mineral abrasives. And, it gives your pet compete and balanced nutrition. It may also be fed as a treat in addition to your pets regular diet. Never moisten the t/d. Adding water will negate the cleaning action. Your veterinarian will tell you the right amount to feed as a starting point, and may advise you to adjust the amount as needed. As with any new food, introduce it to your pet's diet gradually over a five to ten day period. Mix it with your dogs former food and gradually increase the proportion of t/d.
STEP 3. VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR REGULAR
PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CHECKUPS
Your veterinarian needs to monitor the progress of your dog's preventive
program, so regular dental checkups are essential. For dogs who form plaque
quickly or have a history of gum and teeth problems, more frequent examinations
and cleanings may be advised. Prescription Diet' Canine t'd and the Canine t'd
Dental Care Plan are designed to work together. As a package, they can help you
protect your dog's oral health easily, effectively and economically.