Dental Home Care
At Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital, we recommend that dental home care begin when your pet is young, but it can also be gently and gradually introduced to an older pet. Home care should include daily brushing of the teeth or swabbing of the gums with a veterinary paste or gel, feeding dry food and provide chewing activities that are safe and enticing. (see Home Care Instructions)
Veterinary toothpaste comes in many flavors for pets including poultry, seafood, malt, and mint. These pastes are enzymatic, meaning they break down tartar and food deposits to help prevent the formation of mineralized calculus on teeth. Used daily, brushing with toothpaste is an important part of dental preventative care. We recommend veterinary formulations of paste over human paste. Fluoride content in human paste is too high, pets may object to the mint flavors and human pastes are not designed to be swallowed. In addition to brushing with paste, antiseptic gel is used to prevent and treat gum disease. Gel may be used on the toothbrush or simply swabbed along the gum line. Antiseptic gel is used typically for animals with existing gum disease, to reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth and is helpful as a routine for many purebred cats prone to gingivitis.
Daily dental care may also include treats and toys for your pet to chew on. Enzadent Dental Chews are available at Laurelhurst. These chews have an enzyme coating that helps retard plaque and tartar formation. Available at pet food stores are rope toys, dental "Kong" toys, flavored corn starch "Denta-bones", and pressed food bones "Chooz" (carrot, potato, spinach, etc) are all safe and effective items. Avoid nylon bones and real beef marrow bones which may cause tooth fractures for dogs who are over-zealous chewers.
Finally, for minimal tartar buildup on your pet's teeth, feed dry or "kibble" food and limit soft canned foods to a teaspoon or two for a treat. (Check with your veterinarian for specific food recommendations, especially if your pet has any chronic disease) Prescription diets are now available as well that help to reduce tartar buildup on the teeth of both cats and dogs. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's dental health, or which food is the best to feed, how to get your pet to allow brushing, etc., please check with your veterinarian. We are happy to assist you!
Home Dental Care Instructions
Should I Brush My Pet’s Teeth?
Yes, brushing your pet’s teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent the discomfort and expense of periodontal disease. Pets with healthy gums and teeth enjoy a happier, healthier and longer life.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is easy and doesn’t take much time. There may be an initial fuss but pets will like the taste of the special veterinary dental toothpaste and will soon consider it a treat. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste special designed for animal use.
We want you to be successful for the life of your pet so we recommend you start on a three week training program.
Week1:
Pet the muzzle and pull back the lip to feel the gums with your fingers. Remember to do this daily at the same time and place. This starts a habit. Finish with lots of praise and a treat. Make this a comfortable relaxing time for both of you. Removing plaque before it hardens it the most important step in preventing periodontal disease.
Week 2:
Pet the muzzle with the toothbrush and let the pet taste the toothpaste. This is the same procedure as week 1, but the toothbrush and toothpaste are added. This is still a “getting used to it” time and try not to brush just yet. Toothpastes specially designed for your pet are available from Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital. Never use a human toothpaste or baking soda. Human toothpastes contain ingredients which may cause gastric problems and the high levels of sodium may cause difficulties in pets with heart problems.
Week 3: Brush the teeth
This is the week you actually start brushing the teeth. Brush at the top of the teeth first and by moving the brush back and forth along the gingival margin of the teeth. If your pet chews at the toothbrush, that’s OK. In fact, that allows the pet to brush their own teeth. It is easier if your pet keeps their mouth closed during the procedure - brushing only the outside of the teeth is necessary. Work toward brushing the back teeth especially, as these teeth are more inclined to build up calculus.
Now that you have spent some time training your pet, plan to make tooth brushing a part of your daily routine (a minimum of 3 times a week). The entire process should only take a few minutes. Praise your pet often and give occasional rewards for cooperation.