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Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, tartar, decomposing food particles, or death of tissue. Treatment of halitosis in cats involves eliminating the cause(s). The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and polished under general anesthesia. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.
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In veterinary dentistry, tooth repair or restoration that fully covers the tooth is called a crown. Crowns are used after root canal therapy or when enamel is not present due to wear or congenital disease. This article discusses how crowns are made and used in veterinary care. Under normal wear, and with special care, the crown should last for your dog's lifetime.
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Plaque prevention gel (brand name Oravet® Plaque Prevention Gel) is applied to a pet’s teeth at home to create an invisible barrier that will help prevent plaque and tartar formation on the exterior parts of the tooth (the crown). It can be used on both dogs and cats.
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Veggiedent® is a brand of oral hygiene chews for dogs. Oral hygiene chews are often recommended by veterinarians to help prevent or delay the formation of dental plaque and calculus build-up on your pet’s teeth. Veggiedent® can be given by mouth once daily or as directed by your veterinarian.
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It is estimated that over 80% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease (infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth). Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. To be successful at brushing your dog's teeth, you must make it a positive experience for both of you. Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda. A list of dental products and diets that have been accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Counsel can be found on www.vohc.org.
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When a tooth is broken with the pulp exposed, there are only two choices for treatment: root canal therapy or extraction. Root canal therapy involves removing the pulp from the center of an injured tooth, sterilizing the canal, and replacing the removed pulp with dental materials; this prevents bacteria from penetrating the center of the tooth. Root canal therapy is less invasive than extraction but requires advanced training and specialized equipment.
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When a tooth is broken with the pulp exposed, there are only two choices for treatment: root canal therapy or extraction. Root canal therapy involves removing the pulp from the center of an injured tooth, sterilizing the canal, and replacing the removed pulp with dental materials; this prevents bacteria from penetrating the center of the tooth. Root canal therapy is less invasive than extraction but requires advanced training and specialized equipment.
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Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It is often used to treat wounds, pyoderma, abscesses, bone and dental infections, and toxoplasmosis. Its use to treat certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis, is off label or extra-label. Clindamycin is available in oral liquid, tablets, and capsules. It has a very bitter taste, so you may need to disguise the medication in food. It is important to never give a cat a dry pill, if using capsules or tablets, as it can damage the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagitis). If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Alveolar osteitis, also called expansile osteitis, is a relatively common condition that results from chronic periodontal disease in cats. It is painful and can interfere with grooming and eating. If this disorder is detected early, it may be possible to treat the disease without tooth extraction by performing thorough periodontal therapy (dental cleaning and scaling).
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Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Once halitosis occurs, professional veterinary oral prevention, assessment, and treatment is needed. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.