Periodontal Disease and Its Treatment, Part II

 PART II: Daily care for prevention/ retardation of tartar




 Ideally, every pet parent would brush their pets’ teeth daily.  Realistically, though, the vast majority of us simply don’t have the time to do that.  Aside from time constraints, there are numerous other reasons why pets’ teeth are not brushed daily.  For the most effective preventive care, please use as many of the following techniques as possible:


·         Brushing is the most effective way to prevent plaque but, instinctually, most pets do not want others groping around in their mouths (can’t say I blame them!).  Allowing teeth to be brushed is often a learned behavior, best started with young puppies.  For best results, take baby steps and only move on to the next step when the current one is well tolerated.  An example would be to just rub the outer tooth surfaces with your finger then move on to using a soft finger brush without any paste on it.  When that stops causing your pet stress, you can move up to a regular brush and soon start adding paste.  If you’re lucky, your pet will accept these actions without fuss, but start slow until you know for sure.

Toothpaste for animals comes in several different flavors including beef, malt, poultry, and vanilla mint.  You may have to try a couple before you find the one your furry friend prefers.  Do NOT use human toothpaste, it contains chemicals not meant for ingestion.  Can you imagine teaching your pet to swish and spit?!?

·         Healthy Mouth water additive is a liquid concentrate added to your pets’ drinking water for daily consumption; it is super easy and effective.  From the Healthy Mouth website:

“When added daily to pets' drinking water…  the formula safely cleans teeth and gums, reducing plaque, oral bacteria that causes inflammation leading to dental disease and inhibiting the bacteria and germs that are the source of halitosis . Clinical trials and field use has also revealed that plaque, and bacterial reduction continues to improve the longer the product is used and that any remaining plaque is significantly softened, making the use of tooth brushing, dental diets and dental chew-bones even more effective for small animals.”

·         Dental chews are an excellent option for animals who just will NOT allow their teeth to be brushed.  They are also well liked and can be given to any pet even if they do get regular brushing.  West Ridge Animal Hospital carries the C.E.T. brand Hextra chews which come in feline, petite, small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.  Please supervise your pet while chewing so big chunks are not swallowed.

·         Dental foods are produced by a couple separate companies.  Each kibble is designed to allow the tooth to sink into it, rubbing off plaque, rather than just crumbling.  Depending on your pet and his/her dietary needs, you could replace all the food with a dental diet or add some each day as a treat.

Knowing there are several different ways to maintain a healthy mouth in your pet will hopefully make it not so overwhelming a task.  No one wants a pet with bad breath, especially when you know it could lead to health issues elsewhere in their bodies!