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Dental Services
Did You Know Your Pet’s Dental Health
Affects Overall Health?
Bacteria left to accumulate under your pet’s gums will
eventually cause gingivitis and possibly tooth loss. As the
bacteria infiltrate the blood stream, serious infections may
develop in the heart, kidneys and liver. Pets with existing
health problems are most vulnerable. A complete diet and home
care tooth brushing, wiping or rinsing, as well as an annual
professional cleaning by your veterinarian, are essential to
maintaining your pet’s healthy mouth.
When Does Your Pet Have a Problem?
Some signs of dental trouble are apparent: bad breath,
oral bleeding, continuous sneezing, excessive drooling
or a change in eating habits such as dropping food, frequent trips to the food bowl
without actually eating or tipping the head at different
angles. Some dental problems can only be diagnosed while
your pet is under anesthesia during a professional
dental cleaning.
What if You Suspect a Problem?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian for your pet to
have an oral examination and assessment. Dental prophylaxis is
usually recommended. Most oral issues need to be resolved or
fully assessed while your pet is under anesthesia.
What is Dental Prophylaxis?
A dental prophylaxis is an oral medical procedure performed under
anesthesia for the safety and comfort of your pet, and to allow the
dental hygienist to complete a detailed and thorough teeth cleaning
and examination. At Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic, this process includes:
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Inspection and assessment of tooth root surface,
tooth mobility, sub-gingival calculus (tartar below the gum line)
and periodontal pockets. This is followed by extensive water
flushing of the mouth to remove plaque and food particles.
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A Piezo Ultrasonic Scaler with specialized KLAW
tips is used to remove all tartar and calculus buildup on the
teeth by ultrasonic action.
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A 0.2 percent chlorhexadine rinse is used to flush
and clean the oral cavity.
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A fluoride paste, applied with a polishing cup, is
used to polish the teeth to a high gloss, smoothing the tooth
surface to help prevent plaque buildup. The fluoride has three
functions: harden the enamel, desensitize the tooth root and
prevent tooth decay. Residue polish is rinsed away with a fast
spray of water.
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Your pet is now ready to wake up.
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Occasionally, a pet with severe dental disease may
experience oral discomfort following cleaning. Typically, this
discomfort resolves in a few days. Soft food is recommended in
some cases, and oral antibiotics may be dispensed.
What Next?
Home care to prevent plaque buildup should include tooth
brushing, wiping away plaque with a moist cloth and, in some cases,
medicated mouth rinses are recommended to destroy oral bacteria. A
water pick may be used on some pets to help keep teeth clean. Human
toothpaste is not recommended because many contain detergents that
will upset your pet’s stomach. Enzymatic toothpaste specifically for
pets is available.
Pets over two years of age should have their teeth
cleaned, polished and treated with fluoride once each year. Pets
with severe dental disease may be scheduled for a dental prophylaxis
every six months.
We do not recommended extracting teeth if they can
be saved. At some time, your pet may need a root canal and a crown
to save or restore a fractured tooth.
Contact
Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to make a dental appointment for your pet!
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