Dental Health

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Dental Health

• Jessica Rychel, BS
• Fourth Year Veterinary Student
• CCRP (pending), CVA (pending)

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Dental Disease-Problematic in Pets Too

• Can cause severe infection in face and mouth
• Can cause organ dysfunction or failure
• Can be very painful and cause inappetance
• More common and more severe in brachycephalic
  breeds (French Bulldogs)

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Dental Disease in Brachycephalic Breeds

• All dogs have 42 teeth total
• Brachycephalic dogs have to squish all 42 into a
  shorter space than most dogs
• Crowding of teeth allows greater accumulation of
  plaque and tartar

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Gingivitis

• Redness and inflammation around tooth
• Can be treated with aggressive home therapy in
  some cases

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Plaque and Calculus Accumulation

• As periodontal disease eats into the bone,
  damage becomes permanent
• Requires dental cleaning under general
  anesthesia
• Tooth extraction may be required

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An Ounce of Prevention
Dental Home Care
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Brushing Teeth
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Getting Started
Toothbrush- any inexpensive toothbrush with a
large firm head

• Flavored toothpaste

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Getting Started

• Start slow and make it fun
• Gently lift a lip and brush 1-2 teeth
• Use flavored toothpaste, so brushing is a treat

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Eventually

• Brush all teeth at least once daily
• Find a routine- brush every night before bed
• Use several flavors to keep your dogs interest

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Dental Chews

• Mechanically removes plaque from teeth- may have
  additional enzymes or antibacterial additives

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Tartar Diet- Hills t/d

• Pattened formula that squeegees plaque from teeth
  during chewing
• Large bites force dog to chew

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What to do if your pet has moderate to severe
dental disease?

• Consult with a general veterinary practitioner
  that is interested in dentistry for a thorough
  dental examination
• Be prepared for them to recommend dental cleaning
  under general anesthesia- it is the only way to
  get teeth clean enough to be maintained at home
• Dont be afraid of tooth extractions- ask your
  vet if they have dental x-ray to ensure only
  appropriate teeth are extracted

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OraVet

• A waxy sealant developed for use in humans to
  decrease bacterial and tartar from sticking to
  teeth
• People didnt like the feeling of waxy substance
  on their teeth
• Dogs dont mind a bit
• Your vet will apply first dose just after a
  thorough dental cleaning
• You apply sealant once each week at home

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Helpful Resources

• Hills Pet Nutrition www.hillspet.com
• American Animal Hospital Association
  www.healthypet.com
• Oravet by Merial www.oravet.us.merial.com
• National Pet Dental Month www.petdental.com