Care at Home after a Dental

 

Q:  Once my pet comes home, what type of dental treatment can I do?

A: At discharge, you will receive written instructions and a demonstration regarding your home care treatment plan.  A Sealant (OraVet Barrier Sealant) may have been applied to your pet's teeth.  OraVet creates an invisible barrier that prevents plaque- and tartar-forming bacteria from attaching to the teeth.  Beginning two weeks after your pet’s cleaning, you apply OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel once a week at home to maintain the barrier your veterinarian established.  It takes less than 60 seconds to do!

 

Q:  Are there other things I can do at home?

A: Home dental care for your dog is anything you do at home to prevent plaque and tarter build-up.  The more you do at home the less needs to be done by a veterinarian.  Some ideas are:

 

  • BRUSHING

Brushing your dog's teeth is the most effective preventative care.  The best way to achieve this is with patience.  The best way to start is to brush the outsides of the teeth next to the cheek and progress around the mouth.  We recommend CET toothpastes for pets which are safe and come in many flavors. Avoid human toothpastes because the contain abrasives and ingredients that can be irritating if swallowed. 

 

  • ORAL RINSE

A chlorhexidine oral rinse is an antibacterial liquid which provides benefits that can last several hours. The rinse is applied by squirting a small amount inside the cheek on each side of the mouth.  The chlorhexidine adheres to the oral tissue, tooth surfaces and gradually releases throughout the mouth.

 

  • CHEW PRODUCTS

Anything that helps increase chewing can be beneficial.  Surprisingly, feeding exclusively dry food is of little benefit.  Many diets contain a fibrous "mesh" that helps scrub the teeth while your pet chews.  Tarter-chew biscuits are of benefit and contain the same ingredients.  "Milk Bone" biscuits are of little benefit.

 

WE DO NOT recommend cow hooves, pig ears, natural bones, or Nylabones.  These are hard on the teeth and are frequently associated with broken teeth.  All chew toys require you monitor your pet as pieces can break off causing a choking hazard.  NEVER LEAVE A PET UNATTENDED while they are enjoying any chew toy.

 

 

**Please ask our staff about the new dental vaccine. 

We highly recommend this new dental vaccine by Pfizer.
 
The Porphyromonas vaccine aids in the prevention of canine periodontitis as demonsrated by a reduction in bone changes. Periodontitis, the most common bacterial infection in dogs, can lead to long-term effects such as tooth loss if left untreated.
 
We recommend it as part of a complete dental care program.
 
Your dog will initially receive two doses of the Porphyromonas vaccine given three weeks apart, then every 6 to 12 months depending on your pet's need.