Dental Care

KEEP THOSE CANINES CLEAN!

No one enjoys a pet with halitosis, a.k.a. "smelly breath".  It is a sign of severe dental disease, which can be prevented by brushing the teeth daily.

Impossible you say?  Not exactly.  We have many helpful suggestions:

1) Start by using a little chicken flavored toothpaste on the lips for a few days first.

2) Then use your finger and spread some on the cheek-side of all the teeth for a few more days.

3) Use the brush a little at a time and increase a little more each day until you can brush just the buckle (cheek-side) for 2 minutes once a day.

4) Brush before feeding at the same time each day.  Call 415-499-8387 for a FREE dental exam and teeth brushing demonstration by one of our trained technicians.

What are the benefits:

1) Dirty teeth are very painful for your pet.  Regular brushing can prevent pain.

2) Your dog will feel better.

3) You will not be offended by the odor.

4) Your pet can live up to 5 extra years!

5) You save money on professional cleanings.  We have several clients that brush daily and we are amazed at how healthy and clean their teeth are at our regular 6 month exam.

6) The dental diseases seen in pets are similar to what our dentist sees in us.  These include gum disease, abscessed teeth, gingivitis and other diseases caused by bacteria such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, etc.  In a study of 59,296 dogs at the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine, heart disease was significantly increased in dogs whose teeth were not brushed daily.  Dr. Jan Bellows, a well known veterinary dentist said, "I do my own teeth twice a day.  Why should my dog need less?"  As an alternative to brushing, Dr. Bellows recommends chlorhexadine wipes and gels.  We also recommend Oravet, a sealant that we use after cleaning teeth that owners can apply 1-2 times a week with a finger. 

Again, let us help you get started on a plaque prevention program.  It saves money and prevents pain.  We always recommend starting daily teeth brushing on new pets.  If your pet already has plaque, swollen gums or halitosis, make an appointment for a complete dental exam by calling 415-499-8387.

Dental Terms

Calculus or tarter: hard deposits, often stained yellow or brown, that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque control.

Gingiva: soft tissue surrounding the teeth.

Gingivitis: inflamed, swollen and reddish gum tissue that may bleed easily when touched or brushed.

Periodontitis: advanced gum disease in which the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets and alveolar, or supporting, bone is destroyed.  Untreated, it will lead to tooth loss.

Plaque: a film composed of food particles mixed with saliva and bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.  It is a key factor in the development of dental disease.