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NATIONAL PET SMILE MONTH

September is National Pet Smile Month and is designed to make pet owners aware of the importance of good oral hygiene in dog and cats.

Dental Care

Oral hygiene is part of our everyday life and no one questions the importance of good oral hygiene (fresh breath, white teeth and healthy gums),

 We clean our teeth twice a day and visit the dentist every 6 months.

Yet despite the fact we take care of our teeth, too few owners give their pets’ teeth a thought.

Most owners consider it to be.

•IMPOSSIBLE

•TRICKY

•POINTLESS

•TIME CONSUMING

All the above are wrong!

•IMPOSSIBLE – If shown how to clean your pet’s teeth correctly, it is easy.

•TRICKY – Again if shown correctly and with practice it is easy.

•POINTLESS – Research has proven that with daily tooth brushing it helps to reduce the chances or your pet getting dental disease.

•TIME CONSUMING – Once you have mastered the art of brushing your pet’s teeth, it takes a couple of minutes every day.

Stages of Dental Disease

Plaque

Thin mucus layer that contains millions of bacteria and food residue.

Tartar

Hard deposit that accumulates on the teeth.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums due to Plaque build up. This then leads onto:

Periodontal Disease

This develops when Gingivitis is left untreated. It is inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth (Periodontium).

If untreated

•Toothache

•Teeth become loose

•Abscess can form in the tooth pockets

•The jaw can become fragile and can break (normally during tooth extractions)

•In severe cases the risk of bacteria passing into the blood stream. This can effect bodily organs (kidneys, heart, liver and lungs)

Treatment of Dental Disease

Plaque

Depending on the degree of plaque on the teeth, tooth brushing may help. Otherwise a scale & polish will be required.

To prevent plaque build up mechanical action is the only way (Teeth brushing is the most effective method).

Tartar, Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease.

This is only treated by tooth scaling & polishing. Sometimes in severe cases tooth extractions and a course of antibiotics may be required.

Scaling & Polishing

Scaling & polishing is performed under a general anaesthetic. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and polishing is required after scaling to prevent plaque build up.

  Scaling Polishing

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Treatment does not stop once your pet has had their teeth cleaned.

The benefits of Scaling & Polishing are short lived if good oral hygiene is not maintained.

Within three months the inflammation caused by Plaque will return.

Good Oral Hygiene

How this is encouraged:

•Introducing dental hygiene into your pet’s daily routine.

•Regular dental checks.

•Looking into your pet’s mouth daily.

•Feeding certain dry diets.

•Dental chews/mouth rinses/sprays.

•Daily tooth brushing.

Contact your local vets for further information.