DENTAL CARE

Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common condition seen by veterinarians. Most pets need a professional dental cleaning by 3 years of age. We at Apple Grove Veterinary Care place great emphasis on dental hygiene, not only to prevent tooth decay and bad breath, but also to prevent secondary diseases of the liver, kidney and heart.

Some signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are bad breath, sensitivity around the mouth, loss of appetite, and difficulty eating or chewing food. Apple Grove Veterinary Care is equipped to perform thorough dental cleaning, polishing, and oral surgery.

Why is a Dental Cleaning important for my pet?

• Dental Cleanings can cure bad breath and keeps breath fresh for more enjoyable “Kisses”!
• Poor oral health can lead to heart, liver & kidney problems for you pet and possibly tooth loss due to decay.
• Helps your pet live a longer, healthier life.

DENTAL FACTS

• “85% of Adult Pets Have Periodontal Disease”
• Kittens have 26 deciduous, or baby, teeth and puppies have 28 deciduous teeth. People have 20.
• Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth and dogs have 42. People have 32.
• The oral infection caused by plaque and calculus may enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
• By age 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.
• One of the biggest threats periodontal disease poses is secondary heart valve infection.
• Bacteria cause plaque formation on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and calcium is deposited, plaque becomes mineralized calculus.
• Good oral healthcare can extend a pet’s life expectancy and reduce the risk of serious secondary conditions.

Products to aid in at home dental care…

Your pets dental cleaning should be followed with at home dental care. We offer many different options to choose from, making it easier for you to decide which will work best for your pet. Please feel free to consult with the veterinarian on which product(s) are recommended for your pet. These select products are only sold through veterinarians. There are also many other products available at pet stores.

We want your pet to have a healthy mouth & nice breath! A healthy mouth helps to prevent heart disease and extend life!

C.E.T. Chews Made from beef hide, coated with CET Dual Enzyme System for antibacterial & plaque control. Poultry flavor. Also available for cats!
Aquadent Breath-freshening additive for drinking water. Helps fight plaque accumulation!
t/d dog & cat food (Hill’s Prescription Diet) Nutritional management of animals with dental disease. Fiber Matrix scrubs teeth like “edible toothbrush”. Can also be used for treats.
CET Toothpaste Contains CET dual enzyme system to inhibit formation of plaque. Specially formulated for animals, no foaming agents.
DentAcetic Wipes Once daily. Remove wipes and rub against teeth and/or gums.

How to brush your pet’s teeth?

It is important to train your pet gradually over several weeks. Make it fun!

WEEK 1
Start by just looking at teeth. Do this once a day. Pull the lips back from the front of the muzzle and check the long canine teeth, premolars, and molars on top and bottom. Rub your fingers along the gums. Be sure to praise your pet as you do this. Give your pet a treat or favorite toy at the end!

WEEK 2
Once a day, use a toothbrush or a finger cover to play with your pet’s mouth, using the same rubbing motion as with your finger.

WEEK 3
This week, use toothpaste. Try the CET Toothpaste, poultry or beef flavored! Human toothpaste should NOT be used.
Remember, plaque builds up just 6-8 hours after brushing!