Imagine how your teeth would look if you didn't clean them regularly or visit the dentist?

The same is true for pets. It is estimated that 85% of pets over three years old suffer from dental problems.

On average 1 in 3 pets that are examined at the practice show some early stages of dental problems.

Looking after your pet's teeth is an important part of preventive health care, whether it is cat, dog, rabbit or rodent.

IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE

Whether the teeth belong to humans or animals, if left uncleaned and unchecked bacteria and plaque deposits build up on them causing a common problem called periodontal disease, eleviation of this problem can prove to be expensive

The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your pets teeth, Plaque harbour bacteria which can then infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth resulting in swollen, painful, infected loose teeth. Besides the effect on the teeth the bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the blood vessels located near the gums and recent studies have revealed heart, lung, and kidney disease may be associated with such bacteria.

SIGNS OF POOR ORAL HEALTH

• Bad breath
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Plaque and tartar
• Bleeding, inflamed or receded gums
• Difficulty eating and chewing food
• In the case of a molar (tooth) abscess - facial swelling.

CARING FOR YOUR PETS TEETH

• Diet
  Certainly can be a major factor in the development of plaque and tartar. Feed an aspect of biscuits within the diet either dry diets/chews/specially adapted biscuits/chews with an abrasive action. This acts as a good alternative for those who are unable to brush there pets teeth.

• Home Care
  Tooth brushing is considered to be the most effective method of removing plaque. Use specially adapted toothbrushes that are angled and softened specifically for animals and toothpaste that not only contain an abrasive agent and act very similar to a mouth wash where as long as the animal has some of the paste within the mouth it will have an effect to reduce the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. These can be administed on the food or as a treat. Human toothpaste is inadequate due to the frothing action designed to be rinsed out not swallowed and human toothbrushes are incorrectly angled and harsh.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Brushing your animal's teeth must be seen as a pleasurable experience by the animal so be patient and firm but gentle. Ideally dental homecare should begin at an early stage of an animals life to be effective to enable the animal to become accustomed to dental handling.

Amongst the dental homecare range are not only the toothpaste and brushes, but also chews which are impregnated with the active ingredient of the toothpaste, so your animal may not realise its getting it's teeth cleaned whilst its enjoying it's daily special treat.

YOUR PET AND YOUR PRACTICE NURSE

Should you require a check up of your pet's teeth or a simple demonstration of home dental care, the practice here offers an inexpensive service of a pet health councillor.

Pet Health Counsellor