 Evidence continues to mount that clean teeth are more than just cosmetic. Good dental care can extend the life of your pet by 20%. Dental disease not only causes bad breath, loss of appetite (often due to pain), broken and abscessed teeth, but can also contribute to heart, liver and kidney disease.
Just like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to plaque that contains large amounts of bacteria. When tarter and calculus build on teeth, gingivitis follows (just as in people). Plaque turns into tartar that can destroy gums and result in the loss of the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.
When the gums become diseased, they allow the bacteria in the mouth to get into the bloodstream. These bacteria can then cause small infections elsewhere that are often undetectable. The animal subsequently can suffer from kidney failure, a heart murmur or other serious health problems.
Some small dog breeds and particularly older dogs are at greater risk for periodontal disease. Here are some signs your dog or cat may be at risk for or have periodontal disease
Signs and symptoms
 Bad breath (dog breath:-(Bad breath is most commonly an indication that a trip to the veterinarian is needed for a dental check up.) - Yellow-brown crust around the gum line
- Bleeding gums
- Pain when eating or pawing at the mouth
- Change of chewing or eating habits
- Tooth loss
- Subdued behavior
- Excessive drooling
- Brushing
Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda. If swallowed, these can make your pet sick. You can use a number of veterinary products developed such as toothpastes and toothbrushes designed for the different shape of a pet's mouth . Cats may respond better to a finger wrapped in gauze, particularly when you first start. The tongue helps clean the inner surface of the teeth, so we generally recommend cleaning the outer surface. If you find it impossible to brush your dog's or cat's teeth (some tolerate it, others don't), you can have your pets teeth professionally cleaned.
Dental package at ACnDS
1. ultrasonic dental cleaning & tartar removal
2. anti septic wash
3. oral deodorant for lasting oral hygiene
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and requires your pet to be off feed for 12 hrs. |
