Pet Care Veterinary Hospital

Dental Cases
of the
Month

Click on the links below

March, 2007
(dog, Grade II dental cleaning)

April, 2007
(dog, oral electrical trauma)

June, 2007
(cat, cervical neck lesion)

July, 2007
(ferret, canine tooth file and bonded sealant application)

August, 2007
(puppy, deciduous (baby) teeth extractions)

September, 2007
(cat, tooth abscess and extraction)

October, 2007
(dog, odontoplasty and glazing of tooth slab fracture)

January, 2008
(dog, Grade I dental cleaning)

April, 2008
(dog, abnormal growths)

June, 2008
(dog, stainless steel plate removal)

The number of products available to help keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy is astounding. Even with all the products currently on the market, daily brushing combined with regular professional cleaning and scaling remains the best method for maintaining oral health . Starting at an early age, preferably getting our pet used to the idea as a puppy or kitten is the ideal way to initiate a dental program. Following up with daily (yes daily!) brushing has been found to work best to prevent the bad breath and subsequent tooth/gum disease associated with bacterial buildup. For those who cannot brush their pet's teeth we have compiled a list of products that we feel are best and provide an explanation of their use.

Oravet® - significantly reduces plaque and tartar formation by creating an invisible barrier that prevents bacteria from attaching to your pet's teeth and results in a 25% reduction in plaque. Waxy layer applied to teeth; adheres to tooth surface through electrostatic charge and then peels way with time taking plaque with it. The initial application is done in the clinic immediately after a thorough dental cleaning has been performed and weekly applications are continued at home.

Maxi/Guard - is very effective in helping reduce gingival inflammation, reducing the deposition of plaque and neutralizing offensive mouth odors. It is considered a "professional strength" product and is very concentrated. MAXI/GUARD Gel is recommended for severe oral problems such as advanced periodontal cases, post oral surgery and pre and post dental cleaning. Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel may be applied directly from the bottle applicator tip. Some pets, especially cats, may require finger brushing or swab application. Choose the method that makes it easiest for you and your pet.

Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gula Salivosa Bacterin

Periodontal Vaccine - Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin from Pfizer Animal Health is the first and only vaccine made to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis by inducing antibody production against the most common bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Recommended for those breeds (most commonly miniature breeds such as Yorkies, Poodles, Chihuahuas, etc) that are especially prone to premature dental tartar with resulting unhealthy gum tissue and tooth loss A series of two vaccines is performed initially and then a booster is given every six to twelve months.

Fluoride -This foam, applied to clean teeth (either after a cleaning or while still young) hardens the dentin, decreases tooth sensitivity, slows the formation of feline resorptive lesions (“cat”vities) and is reported be anti-plaque.

Chews - Enzadent chews for dogs and cat combine enzymes found naturally in your pet's saliva with natural abrading action to help remove food debris before it becomes a problem. The enzymes in the chew discourage plaque formation. All chew toys/chewies should be supervised to prevent ingestion of too large a piece that can cause intestinal upset or blockage.

Royal Canin Dental DD

Treats and foods - formulated specifically for the nutritional management of dogs and cats with dental disease. Its special fiber matrix scrubs the exposed tooth surface like an edible toothbrush, reducing bacteria-laden plaque. Many contain a polyphosphate coating that helps keep plaque from mineralizing. Examples; Royal Canin® Dental Care which has 3 areas of activity – polyphosphates, abrasion of plaque, green tea phenols (antibacterial), or Hills® T/D for dogs or cats. All helpful but not a cure all- may result in 15 to 30 % decrease in plaque.

Click here to watch a Power Point Slide Show!

The show opens up in Adobe. You can click on the arrows at the bottom of the screen to see a slide show or simply scroll down to see each slide.

Follow Jessie, a Yorkshire Terrier, as she has a dental cleaning and check-up!