Category: verterinary

Dental hygiene is not only required for your teeth but for that of your pet as well in order to ensure proper oral health. Poor mouth hygiene can lead to a variety of diseases that can even be fatal for your pet in the long run. Here are some common veterinary dental instruments used by veterinarians on your pet.

The Types of Veterinary Dental Instruments Used

You will be surprised to know that the same type of dental care instruments used on humans are also used for animals only in slightly different sizes depending on the size and type of animal. Toothache is probably one of the most horrible pains of all and it can occur for many different reasons such as cavities (the most common cause), growth of a new tooth under an existing one and pain or headache resulting in toothache on the affected side.

When visiting the vet with a tooth problem you must ensure that all the veterinary dental instruments are for your type of pet and that they have been thoroughly sterilized. There are no dentist vets, as usually a vet studies dentistry as well and is qualified to use the veterinary dental instruments and treat your pet friend.

Keeping Your Pet s Teeth Clean

The only veterinary dental instrument you can use at home in order to ensure your pet s teeth are clean at all times is a toothbrush -preferably choose a soft one so you don t hurt the gums. With the toothbrush in hand, try and brush your pet s teeth at least once a day in order to ensure proper dental care and health.

Other Ways to Clean Your Pet s Teeth

A good way to ensure your pet s teeth are brushed especially if he or she is a cat or dog is to mix some dry food that you find in the market with the regular type and that should help you quite a bit. Nothing will however replace the brushing of the teeth which must be done at least once in two days if you are following the dry food trick in order to clean teeth.

If you cannot clean your pet s teeth, as they are not exactly happy to let you brush them, you can always ask for your vet s help. Alternatively, you can also ask trained processionals in pet grooming stores who might have all the necessary veterinary dental instruments to handle and clean your pet s teeth thoroughly.

Do you know what would happen if you went years without going to the dentist? Many people who do not go for regular appointments suffer from bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and other nasty consequences of bad oral health.

If you wouldn t put yourself or your children through this, then why do it to your pet? It is important that your pet receives proper veterinary dental care. Without it, your furry friend could suffer from many of the same consequences that you would if you didn t visit the dentist. Many pet owners dismiss this form of health care; only approximately one-third of pet owners actually provide veterinary dental care for their pet.

However, veterinary dental care is extremely important, not only because of the dental side effects. The dental side effects are only the beginning of the damage that can be caused by the lack of dental treatment. Dental disease can spread, leading to other, more serious problems, such as kidney, heart, and lung disease. Would you put your pet through one of these serious diseases? Of course not! That is why it is vital that you pet receives the proper veterinary dental care.

At the Vet

The two main ways that your pet s veterinary dental care is administered at the vet s office are through oral examinations and dental cleanings. Oral examinations should be a part of your pet s regular vet appointment, and they should begin at a young age. Typically, a veterinarian will look at oral development, and check for any swelling, or missing and additional teeth. Though oral examinations can be performed while your pet is wide awake, any extensive examinations require anesthesia.

Dental cleanings are another component of your pet s veterinary dental care that is performed at your vet s office. Anesthesia is required during a dental cleaning where the vet will remove plaque, polish the teeth, use fluoride and sealants, and take x-rays. Experts recommend that your pet have a regular dental cleaning every two years.

At Home

Your pet s veterinary dental care shouldn t stop at the vet s office it is important that you, as the pet owner, take an active role in your pet s dental care. One of the main things that you can do at home to ensure that your pet s teeth are healthy is to brush their teeth every day. There are special brushes and toothpaste for animals, and there are specific procedures for young and old dogs. Ask your veterinarian what the best procedures and products for your pet would be.