National Pet Dental Health Month

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National Pet Dental Health Month
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Pets Need Dental Care, TooTM

• Oral health is achieved through a combination of
  veterinary care and home care

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The Facts

• 85 of all adult dogs and cats have some degree
  of periodontal disease
• Only 25 of dogs and cats get treatment
• - AAHA Compliance Study, 2003

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The Progression of Periodontal Disease

• Plaque is a colorless film that contains a large
  amount of bacteria
• If teeth are not cleaned regularly, plaque builds
  up and causes inflammation of the gums
• It destroys the gums, resulting in pain and the
  loss of the tissues and the bone
  that support the teeth

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The Periodontal Disease Cycle
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Contributing Factors

• Poor Oral Hygiene Ignoring the condition of your
  pets mouth can lead to periodontal disease and
  other health problems
• Breed It is more often a problem for smaller
  breeds of dogs and certain breeds of cats
• Age It is more common as pets grow older

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Signs of Periodontal Disease

• Bad breath
• Yellow-brown crust on teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Going to the food bowl, but not eating
• Change of chewing or eating habits
• Tooth loss
• Subdued behavior
• Abnormal drooling
• Dropping food out of the mouth
• Swallowing food whole

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Preventing Periodontal Disease
In many cases, periodontal disease is
preventable through appropriate plaque
control. - The Complete Dental Prophylaxis,
Ellen Logan, DVM
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Steps to Prevention

• 1) Visit your Veterinarian
• Start a preventive program of
  dental care today
• Dental scaling and polishing
  are needed to remove plaque
  and tartar
• Take care of any dental
  problems found

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Steps to Prevention (cont.)

• 2) Start An Oral Care Routine At Home
• Plaque should be removed
  every day
• Brushing your pets
  teeth daily is the best
• Feeding a special oral care
  food is another way to
  reduce
  the buildup of plaque and tartar

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Steps to Prevention (cont.)

• 3) Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
• Pets need a dental cleaning
  at least once per
  year
• For pets that form tartar quickly or
  have a history of oral
  problems, frequent
  examinations and cleanings
  may be advised

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The Edible Toothbrush

• Prescription Diet t/d brand pet food
• Reduces gingivitis and buildup of tartar, plaque
  and stain
• Reduces bad breath
• Powerful antioxidants added to reinforce natural
  defense for overall health
• Available at veterinary clinics

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Look for the VOHC Seal

• The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  evaluates research to determine if products meet
  preset standards for controlling plaque and
  tartar accumulation
• Always look for the VOHC Seal of Acceptance on
  products for dental health
• This seal indicates proven efficacy for plaque
  AND tartar

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Summary

• Dental Exams once a year (at least)
• Annual cleanings (at least)
• Daily home care
• Healthier pets
• with better breath!

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www.petdental.com

• For more information on pet dental care

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Clinic Information

• If you have questions, please contact us at
• Beaver Lake Animal Hospital
• 26325 SE 39th Street
• Issaquah, WA 98029
• 425 557 0752