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Your
pet's oral wellness
Should
I brush my pet's teeth?
Yes. Just like a human your pet needs to have its teeth brushed
daily to prevent dental and periodontal disease. How do I brush
my pet's teeth? What should I use? You can use a finger brush or
a toothbrush designed for animals. Along with this you should also
use toothpaste designed for pets. To brush your pet's teeth, gently
insert whatever brush you are using between the pet's cheek and
teeth. Rub gently along the teeth for 30 seconds on each side of
the mouth. Try to brush your pets teeth at least 3 times a week.
Can I use my own toothpaste or baking
soda to brush my pet's teeth?
No. Human toothpastes, which contain fluoride and baking soda, are
not designed for ingestion. Using human toothpaste puts your animal
at risk of a GI upset. The best option is to use an animal toothpaste
that is designed for ingestion and will taste good to your pet.
Can dogs and cats get cavities?
No. That is, not the same kind of cavities that human gets. Rather
dogs and cats are more prone to periodontal disease caused by plaque
and tartar. These lead to decay of the whole tooth as opposed to
a spot of decay that constitutes a cavity in a human.
Do bones help by pet's teeth?
No. Bones don't necessarily help your pet's teeth. In fact, they
can be quite harmful. Bones have a tendency to splinter when they
are chewed causing injury to the gums and gastrointestinal tract.
Pets can also break their teeth when chewing on bones. Bones can
also become lodged along the intestinal tract causing an obstruction.
These injuries can be life threatening and may require surgery.
Do dog biscuits help by dog's teeth?
Not generally. Most dog biscuits act just as candy would to human
teeth. Too many of such biscuits can add to the decay of their teeth
as opposed to preventing decay. However, some biscuits are designed
to reduce tartar. These products do have the potential to help a
dog's teeth and gums. There are even some designed for cats!
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What
kind of dental work do you do on pets?
We perform ultrasonic cleaning, extractions, dental x-rays, polishing,
and fluoride rinses.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a
dental cleaning?
Most animals are not very tolerant of an ultrasonic cleaning while
awake. There is a mild humming noise and mild vibration made by the
instrument that some animals find intolerable and it is nessary to
hold still for the x-rays. Extractions can be uncomfortable, or even
painful. It is not fair to expect an animal to endure these procedures
while awake.
Why does my pet need her teeth cleaned
if I feed her dry food and brush her teeth regularly?
No amount of regular maintenance can prevent all the tartar that builds
up on an animal's teeth and gums. Plus, a regular cleaning by a professional
enables any decaying teeth to be extracted and any potential problems
can be determined. Just like humans, all dogs should have a yearly
check-up and cleaning.
How often do my pet's teeth need to be cleaned?
The frequency of dental cleaning needed varies from animal to animal,
just like people. We recommend a yearly examination to determine your
pet's individual needs. Some pets need cleaning yearly, some more
often and some less frequently.
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