Dental disease is a leading health issue of dogs and cats. Left untreated, dental disease can adversely affect your pet's immune system, reducing his ability to fight off infection. It can also cause mouth pain, loss of teeth, as well as heart and kidney disease. Many factors including breed and diet can affect your pet's dental health. Some factors leading to dental disease are out of your control, but you can improve your pet's health with home care.

Plaque is an accumulation of food, calcium, and bacteria. When plaque is present, bacteria remain at the gum line. When the plaque isn't present, the saliva will more easily wash away the bacteria. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, and can lead to gingivitis, a dental condition that can weaken the gums and tissues that support the teeth. Gingivitis can lead to abscesses, pain, tooth loss, and fractures of the jawbone.

All pets benefit from a professional teeth cleaning. Even pets with white teeth have plaque build-up which can affect the health of the gums. Many cats and dogs will need to have their teeth cleaned annually. Your veterinarian may suggest a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings are scheduled like a surgery appointment. Your pet will be with us the entire day. In order to do a proper cleaning, your pet will be fully anesthetized during the procedure and if necessary, extractions will also be done at this time.

Warning signs of dental disease:

Bad breath

Loose or missing teeth

Red or swollen gums

Difficulty eating or decreased appetite

Bleeding gums



Home Care:
Brushing your pet's teeth: If your pet is used to being touched around his face, your job is much easier. If not, take time to get your pet accustomed to touching of the lips, gums, and teeth. Handle your pet's head and face, lifting his lip, and touching his gums. Positive reinforcement with praise or treats may also help.

Introduce the toothbrush slowly. Again, positive reinforcement is key. To brush the teeth, you will need a pet toothpaste. Human toothpastes may contain ingredients that are harmful to your pet. Pet toothpastes are flavored to help your pet accept the process.

If brushing your pet's teeth is not possible, a dental diet can help. Simply feeding a dry diet is not sufficient for removing plaque buildup. A dental diet such as Hill's T/D© is specially designed for maximum plaque removal.

Dental treats are another option. C.E.T.© dog and cat treats combine their abrasive texture for removing plaque with a dual-enzyme system that encourages saliva production, your pet's natural defense against plaque build up.

A regular schedule of in-home care along with annual visits to your veterinarian will keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy and clean.