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Dogs + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Dental pain may take on a variety of appearances, but often, a dog will not show any outward signs of pain. The only effective treatment for dental pain is to address the dog's underlying dental disease. The best way to prevent dental pain is to ensure that your dog receives regular dental care through a home dental care plan and regular veterinary dental care.

  • Dental Disease in Dogs

    El periodontio es la estructura que rodea al diente e incluye la encía, el hueso alveolar y el ligamento periodontal. Estas estructuras pueden alterarse y ser incapaces de dar soporte al diente que puede estar sano en sí mismo. La enfermedad periodontal se define como la alteración del periodontio.

  • Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas such as the liver and kidneys, causing distant or systemic effects.

  • Dental X-rays in dogs are similar to those taken in humans. In many cases, intraoral (within the mouth) dental X-rays are necessary to identify and treat dental problems in your dog. Nearly two-thirds of each tooth is located under the gum line. Your dog will need to be anesthetized to accurately place the X-ray sensor and perform a thorough oral assessment, treatment, and prevention procedures.

  • Plaque and tartar forms on teeth daily and, if allowed to accumulate, will cause progressive periodontal disease. Cleaning your dog's teeth every day at home helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up. For proper dental evaluation and care, your dog must be safely placed under general anesthesia. The examination usually includes dental X-rays and probing to evaluate gum bleeding and periodontal pockets. Tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove tartar above and below the gum line. Removing plaque and tartar before disease occurs is the foundation of preventative dentistry.

  • Many pets are sensitive to being restrained for grooming. With slow progress and positive rewards, your pet can learn to accept or even enjoy having their teeth cleaned.

  • Obesity in Cats

    Los problemas dentales son probablemente tan frecuentes en los perros como en las personas y posiblemente igual de dolorosos. Sin embargo, los perros no tienen la misma capacidad que nosotros para manifestar sus molestias y hasta hace relativamente poco muchos de los problemas dentales de nuestras mascotas pasaban desapercibidos.

  • Plaque forms on teeth shortly after eating and within 24 hours begins to harden, eventually turning into tartar. Tartar serves as a place for bacteria to grow, leading to gingivitis. As gingivitis worsens, periodontal disease develops, which includes inflammation, pain, and tooth loss. Prevention of plaque and tartar build-up is key. Use VOHC-accepted food and/or water additives, wipe or brush your dog's teeth daily, and have your veterinarian perform regular dental cleanings.

  • 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.

  • 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.