Dental Disease

Article submitted by Sherwood Animal Hospital located in Sherwood.  For more information call 920-989-3200.

Dental Disease Dental care is an important part of your pet's care. Untreated tooth and gum disease allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart and other internal organs. If tartar builds up long enough, the bacteria from the oral infection have a clear path to your pet's bloodstream and vital organs. The lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain can be affected therefore the life of your pet could be shortened. Dental disease is ALWAYS a greater risk to your pet than the anesthesia. It is likely that your pet is due for a teeth cleaning if any of the following have happened: teeth are discolored, bad breath, difficulty/finicky eating because of dental pain, bleeding gums, or your veterinarian has recommended a teeth cleaning for your pet. If you have any concerns or questions about your pet's dental health please let us know. To take care of your pet's teeth after the dental procedure we recommend one or several of the following: 1-Brushing your pet's teeth with CET enzymatic pet toothpaste 2-Using CET chlorehexidine rinse or CET oral hygiene gel 3-Using CET chews or CET dental rewards 4-Feeding your pet either any Eukanuba diet or Science Diet T/D....both have special ingredients in them to help care for your pets teeth All of the products recommended will prevent gingivitis, plaque and tartar; which prevents your pet from needing extractions and your pet will be able to go longer between dental cleanings. Always use toothpaste that is made for pets and is enzymatic so that it works on contact. They come in a variety of flavors so your pet will like the taste. When first getting your pet used to the teeth being brushed, you want to start by just touching and handling your pet's mouth, then begin introducing the pet to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Make it fun for them by allowing them to lick the toothpaste off the brush or even chewing on the brush. The next step is to begin brushing the teeth. Brush only one or two teeth at a time, slowly increasing the extent of brushing each time. Brush the teeth with gentle, circular motions, emphasizing the gum line. Focus on the outer surfaces of the tooth with the paste. It is not necessary to try to get your pet to open the mouth. This is often resisted and leads to frustration. Just slide the toothbrush in next to the cheek and you can brush even the back teeth without forcing the mouth open. Just give it some time and it will soon become a simple routine. Afterwards, you can positively reinforce that brushing teeth is a good thing by giving a CET treat. It is best if you brush your pet's teeth once a day; however, 2-3 times a week is better than not at all. Please let us know if you have any questions.