Teeth that are not brushed regularly will eventually develop tarter. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, several things may happen. Tartar can mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth allowing the teeth to loosen in their sockets and infection to enter the root socket. Infection within the mouth is picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. This can cause kidney and heart disease.

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease in our patients. A regular dental cleaning and brushing your pet’s teeth can limit plaque formation and the development of dental disease. Regular brushing can reduce tarter build up by at least 75%.

START YOUNG

The sooner you start oral health care at home the easier it will be. Handling your pet’s mouth from a young age will desensitize them to eventual tooth brushing. Teeth brushing can start as young as 2-3 months of age, but brushing should be routine by 5 months of age.

GO SLOW & MAKE IT FUN

Don’t force brushing on your pet. Make the brushing experience a positive one. Forcing brushing on your pet breeds resentment. Start by handling your pet’s mouth for a few minutes. Then put your fingers in the mouth and open it. Gently wipe the outside surface of the teeth with a soft cloth wrapped around your finger. Finally, introduce the brush. These steps may take weeks to accomplish, but it will be worth it. Start with a few teeth, and then progress to the entire mouth as you and your pet become more comfortable with brushing. Many pets enjoy having their teeth brushed. If you link this behavior to positive things like walks, playtime, and especially FOOD (either dinner or a favorite treat), you will greatly increase the likelihood of your pets cooperation.

TOOLS

All you need to get started is a toothbrush and pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste; it can be harmful to your pet). You can purchase these items at our front desk.

TECHNIQUE

Use a small amount of pet toothpaste replacing it often. Using a circular motion brush all of your pet’s teeth in succession. For the rear teeth, just brush under the lips. The lower rear teeth are more challenging since the upper teeth cover them. If you’re able to open your pet's mouth slightly use the same circular motion to clean the outside of these teeth. The insides of the teeth can be difficult to brush; if your pet does not allow brushing on the inside of the teeth don’t worry. Most periodontal disease occurs on the outside surface of the teeth.

FREQUENCY

Once a day would be ideal, but a good goal for brushing is 3 times a week.

OTHER OPTIONS

If your pet will not allow brushing or you just don’t have time to brush, there are other methods such as T/D diet, tartar control chews and biscuits that have varying levels of tartar control, and Ora-vet Gel. Please as our front desk about purchasing these products. Treats such as real bones or hooves should be avoided because they can cause tooth breakage.

WHEN IS IT TIME FOR A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING?

Brushing greatly improves oral health and can decrease the frequency of professional cleaning. However, it does not eliminate the need for professional cleaning. It’s time for a professional cleaning if you notice any of these things:

1. If you see blood on the toothbrush (an indication of periodontal disease)

2. If you notice calculus on the teeth (tan or brown on the teeth)

3. If you see any loose teeth, broken teeth, swelling or growths at the gum line

4. If you’re pet becomes resistant to brushing or reluctant to eat

An oral exam should be part of your pet’s annual physical performed by your veterinarian