January is...
DENTAL MONTH

​Dental health is about what lies beneath the gum line!
 
Without brushing the plaque that is created by bacteria, salvia and food particles mineralizes into tartar. Tartar causes inflammation at the gumline known as gingivitis and starts to break down the periodontal ligaments leading to tooth mobility, infection, and pain. Ultimately the jawbone becomes infected, which can lead to abscessation or even jaw fractures in small enough animals.
 
Fractured teeth expose the pulp cavity and bacteria wicks into the blood vessels leading to tooth root infection and abscessation. 
Dental disease also has a systemic effect, as bacteria in the mouth can seed to other areas in the body such as the heart or kidneys. 
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Dental Hygiene at Home

The best home care option for you depends on your schedule and your pet’s participation level.  

Options include:
  1. Tooth brushing
    1. Brushing at least 3 times/week is needed to maintain oral health (daily is ideal)
    2. Do NOT use human tooth paste – they are not safe for pets to swallow
  2. Dental wipes
    1. Less effective than brushing, but gentler for animals with sensitive mouths
  3. Dental diets
    1. Large, fibrous kibbles promote chewing and plaque removal
    2. Some include Calcium binders that reduce formation of tartar (ie – RC Dental)
    3. Only helpful in cleaning molars, as canines/incisors are not involved in chewing
  4. Dental treats (ie- Greenies, CET Dentahex Chews)
    1. Must be used daily to have desired effect
    2. Must be the right size to ensure pet chews them thoroughly, but does not choke
 

​We do NOT recommend the use of bones, antlers, hooves, or pig ears to keep teeth clean.
These can cause dental fractures, gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockages/ perforations.  

​As a general rule of thumb
​“if you would not want me to hit you in the knee cap with it, do not let your dog chew on it!”

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​Veterinary C.O.H.A.T
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A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) involves a full dental probing and analysis of each tooth including intra-oral x-rays to check the status of the tooth roots. Any plaque and tartar that escapes home care is fully removed with hand and ultrasonic scaling instruments. Teeth that are fractured or have severely compromised periodontal ligaments are extracted to prevent infection and chronic pain.
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This level of oral health care cannot be provided to animals without full general anesthetic, as it is impossible to address the teeth below the gumline in an awake animal.
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​Professional cleanings every 6-12 months are necessary for each tooth to receive proper attention and care.


Veterinary Oral Health Council

www.vohc.org

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an organization that reviews oral hygiene products to make sure they meet recognized standards. If you would like to know if a dental product is reliable and effective, look for their “Seal of Approval” on the packaging. We do not recommend any products that are not reviewed by the VOHC.