February
has been designated as the month to recognize
and emphasize the importance of dental health
in our pets. Making dental health a priority
for your pet results in more benefits than just
pearly white teeth and fresh breath; it can mean
maintaining total body health for your pet as
well.
Left untreated periodontal disease can
cause changes in the liver, kidneys and heart.
At Raritan Animal Hospital we have several options
for your pet to help keep him or her healthy. If
your pet already has progressive signs of periodontal
disease such as bad breath, red gums, yellow or
brown crust near the gum line, and even some loose
teeth, a dental cleaning is recommended. A dental
cleaning is performed using methods very similar
to those used in human dentistry except your pet
is anesthetized during the procedure. Your pet’s
teeth will be scaled free of tartar, polished clean,
and treated with fluoride. The condition of each
tooth will be charted and recorded in your pet’s
medical record and any loose or diseased teeth
will be extracted with the aid of a high speed
drill.
Once clean, we
offer the option of placing an oral sealant, called
Oravet™, on your pet’s teeth.
This sealant protects your pet’s
teeth and can slow the formation of plaque and
tartar extending the time between dental cleanings.
Once applied, the barrier will need to be maintained
with a weekly application of gel from the Oravet™ home
kit which will be sent home with you after your
pet’s cleaning.
Other options available to help maintain your pet’s oral health include regular brushing with enzymatic toothpaste that has been formulated for dogs or cats. Oral rinses, such as CET Chlorhexadine Oral Rinse, are a great additive to brushing. They help reduce the amount of plaque- forming bacteria present in the mouth. Prescription diets such as Hill’s T/D are an effective method to help lessen the formation of tartar on your pet’s teeth. Treats such as CET Chews are also available in various sizes for dogs as well in an allergy friendly version called Veggiedent. There are two flavors available for cats, fish or chicken. These treats, like dental diets, also help to decrease the ability of plaque to form on the tooth surface.
Ask your veterinarian today about the
status of your pet’s oral health and about
creating a dental health plan tailored to meet
your pet’s
needs.
Give Your Pet a Healthy Smile! Schedule a Dental Cleaning Today!
Learn How To Properly Brush Your Cat's Teeth...
Click Here For a Demonstration courtesy of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Click Here for an informative article on brushing your pet's teeth courtesy of AAHA
Click Here for current Dental Care Guidelines from AAHA
Enjoy a Fun Video From Hill's the makers of Prescription Diet T/D!
Photo Contest
E-mail us a photo of your pet for Dental Month!
We want to see photos of our patients either showing off their pearly white smiles or having their teeth brushed. We want to see that our patients are keeping up with good dental health at home! Be creative! We will be accepting entries now through February 28th.
E-mail your photos to photos@raritananimalhospital.com
Subject: Dental Month or bring a photo to out hospital or clinics.
(Please note that photos will not be returned.)
Remember to include your name and your pet's name!
Photos will be displayed on our Dental Month webpage and our Facebook page. A prize will be awarded to our favorite cat and dog entries. Let the best smile win!
2012 Contest Entries:
Dental Handouts
Click on the Images Below To Be Access Our Dental Client Handouts....
Canine Dental Handout Feline Dental Handout
Highlighting Dental Products
For Information on the Following Items; Click on the Images Below To Be Linked To Their Product Websites....
