Pet Dental Care

Pets Need Dental Care, Too!
Believe it or not, just like you, your pet needs dental care. Just like you brush your teeth at home and visit your dentist on a regular basis, your pet needs at-home care and in-office checkups with your veterinarian! Without it, your pet runs the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, and/or periodontal disease.

Plaque is an invisible film that forms on teeth. It contains large amounts of bacteria, and, if left unchecked, will build up, causing infection, destroying gums, and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. With preventative oral care, however, you can help reduce plaque formation and also help maintain proper oral health for the duration of your pet's life.

Signs of Periodontal Disease
All pets have a potential for developing dental issues. If your pet displays any of the warning signs listed here, serious periodontal disease may be present, so don't wait for these signs: start a program of preventative care today!

• Bad breath
• Brownish-yellow buildup on teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Not eating at the food bowl
• A change in chewing or eating habits
• Loss of teeth
• Behavioral change
• Excessive drooling
• Dropping food out of the mouth
• Swallowing food without chewing

Factors that Contribute to Oral Health Problems

Poor oral hygiene:
Ignoring the condition of your pet's mouth can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other, more serious health problems, such as heart, liver, and kidney failure

Breed:
Smaller dog breeds and certain cat breeds run a higher-than-normal risk of periodontal disease.

Age:
Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older

Tips on Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

• Start early! Begin a brushing program early and gradually, as the training may take several days or weeks.

• Familiarize your pet with brushing by rubbing your finger over the pet's mouth and teeth. Dipping your finger in beef bouillon (for dogs) or tuna water (for cats) may make the process more enjoyable. Keep these sessions brief, and be positive with your pet.

• After your pet is comfortable having your finger in his/her mouth, repeat the process, but with gauze on your finger; rub the teeth in a circular motion.

• Before graduating to a soft-bristle toothbrush, put a small amount of pet-specific toothpaste on your finger and allow the pet to taste it. Do not use toothpaste designed for humans, as it contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach.

• As a last step, apply a small amount of pet toothpaste on a moist toothbrush and allow your pet to lick the bristles. Begin by brushing gently at a 45-degree angle away from the gumline.

Steps to Better Oral Care

Visit your veterinarian!
All regular exams at Highland Animal Hospital include a thorough dental exam. If we find signs of disease, we will recommend a treatment plan. For the overall health of your pet, it is important that we take care of any dental problems that we find. We will also recommend a home-care plan that is a key part of keeping your pet healthy.

Start an Oral Care Routine at Home!
Plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth every day before it mineralizes into tartar. Brushing your pet's teeth properly every day will remove plaque buildup. Ask us about the best methods of home care for your pet.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups!
We monitor the progress of your pet's preventative program, so regular dental checkups are essential, just as twice-a-year checkups are important for people. For pets that form tartar quickly or those with a history of oral problems, frequent examinations and cleanings may be advised.

All of the healthcare staff at Highland Animal Hospital is trained in dental care and maintenance. We provide a full range of dental-care services, for tooth-brushing demonstrations to dental surgery and everything in between!