Your veterinarian has recommended a home dental care program for your pet. So what?

The answer: dental disease.

Dental disease can be serious for pets. Plaque and bacteria gather on the surface of your pet's teeth and below the gum line. Even with the most rigorous brushing routine, over time that plaque and bacteria can lead to inflammation, infection, and organ damage if not addressed. If not treated, it can lead to:

• Painful, bleeding gums - Bacteria irritates the gum tissue which can cause painful, swollen gums that may bleed when your pet eats or plays with a toy
• Loose or missing teeth - Progressing infection can damage the supporting structures of the teeth and they may become loose or fall out entirely
• Tooth root abscesses - Bacteria can invade the root of the tooth and when this happens, infection sets in. This infection creates a pocket of pus called an abscess and if that ruptures, it can cause purulent material to drain in your pet's face or jaw.
• Oro-nasal fistula - Sometimes a tooth root abscess can create a draining hole from the mouth into the nasal cavity that allows food and saliva to enter the nose. This can cause secondary respiratory infections.
• Oral tumors - Chronic inflammation from dental disease increases the risk for oral tumors.
• Organ damage - Left untreated, periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.

What to look for:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Discolored (ex. yellow or brown) teeth
• Red, swollen gums
• Blood on your pet's chew toys
• Tilting the head to eat or only eating on one side of the mouth
• Dropping food
• Nasal or ocular swelling
• Facial swelling

How often does your pet need a dental cleaning?

On average, most pets should get a dental cleaning done every 1-2 years, but some pets might need it more frequently. Small dogs, cats, and certain breeds are at risk for more frequent dental cleanings.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

Conscious Oral Exam - Typically done at an initial exam before the cleaning is scheduled, this visual is also performed the day of the dental procedure to help identify any abnormalities.
Blood work - This is recommended prior to any anesthetic procedure to assess for any underlying health issues and make sure anesthesia will run smoothly.
Anesthesia - An IV catheter will be placed and gas anesthesia will be used while your pet is monitored closely throughout the entire procedure until recovery.
Dental X-Rays - More than 50% of the tooth structure is hidden below the gum line and can only be seen with x-rays.
Teeth Scaling - Specialized dental instruments are used to remove plaque and tarter from the tooth surface both above and below the gum line.
Polishing - Scaling leaves micro abrasions on the tooth surface that bacteria can adhere to so polishing smooths those surfaces.
Periodontal Probing
Extractions - In some cases, dental disease affects the tooth so severely that extractions are needed to maintain the health and happiness of your pet.

Is anesthesia necessary and why can't my pet get an anesthesia-free dental?

Anesthesia-free dentals only remove visible tartar above the gum line and don't treat the source of dental disease below the gum line. There is no way to take dental x-rays, probe for disease, or clean where infection occurs without it. Anesthesia is also necessary for several reasons:

• Less stress - From your pet's perspective, dental cleanings involve a lot of unfamiliar instruments and people working around their mouth. Anesthesia helps prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Stay still - The vet team needs pets to remain still so we can thoroughly examine their mouth and remove plaque and tartar.​

How to care for your pet's dental health at home

While we will never be able to entirely prevent our pets from needing regular dental cleanings, there are things we can do to stretch out the time they remain comfortable.

• Daily brushing - Brushing teeth on a regular basis is the best form of maintenance. Be sure to use a pet-safe toothpaste and never a human toothpaste which frequently contain the toxic additive xylitol.
• Dental diets - Prescription dental diets are specially formulated to help keep plaque and tartar from accumulating on tooth surfaces.
• Dental chews - Certain VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) are approved to help maintain good oral health between dental cleanings.
• Water additives - Even something as simple as a formulated water additive can contribute to good oral health.

Here is a link to recommended canine products
Here is a link to recommended feline products
Here is a link to all VOHC approved dental products