The level of dental care available for our pets has been constantly improving and now rivals what is available for people. From regular dental cleanings to advanced periodontal treatments, root canals and orthodontics; veterinary dentistry is improving pet dental health and extending the quality life of cats and dogs. Use the links to learn more about pet dental care and procedures.

  Prevention

   Brushing your pet’s teeth is by far the best home care available. Brushes reach between teeth and gums to remove tiny deposits of food. There are toothbrushes designed specifically to conform to your pets mouth, as well as, finger brushes for small dogs and cats. In most cases only the outside portion (cheek side) of the teeth need to be brushed. The tongue side is usually kept clean by normal tongue activity and saliva. Starting your brushing regimen when your pet is a puppy or kitten will result in greater levels of cooperation.

For those pets that will not allow anyone to touch their teeth, there are dental products that can be sprayed into the mouth as an anti- plaque wash or applied to a cloth and rubbed on the teeth and gums. Some pets want no part of preventative dental care. For these animals dental treats may be the best option. There are rawhides for dogs and freeze- dried catfish treats for cats, both types treated with enzymatic dentifrice to help remove plaque. CET Dental Products make dental health easy. Hills T/D dog and cat  food will also help remove plaque from the chewing teeth, but should only be fed to pets that are starting with clean teeth, as it may push plaque below the gum line.

Professional Cleaning

            A thorough dental cleaning requires general anesthesia for our pets, as they are reluctant to sit in the dental chair with open mouths. Each tooth is individually evaluated for looseness, gum health, and gingival pockets. Diseased teeth should be radio graphed  (x-rayed) to evaluate the amount of bone loss and the health of the roots. Severely diseased teeth may need more advanced care or have to be removed. Calculus is removed by hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling both above and below the gum line. All teeth are polished and given a fluoride treatment. When your pet’s teeth are clean and smooth it is best to start a dedicated home care program, although your doctor may recommend waiting a week if the gums are particularly sore.

Click here to download Kimberly Crest's "Dental Cleaning" Brochure

Before Dental Cleaning - Note the back teeth	After Dental Cleaning, scaling and polishing

Orthodontics

           Pets with abnormal tooth alignment may need orthodontic treatment if upper and lower teeth are hitting against each other when the mouth is closed or if one of the long canine teeth is hitting the roof of the mouth or the gum. These problems can be hereditary, baby teeth that did not fall out at the appropriate time or caused by an injury while the puppy or kitten is growing. There are several different orthodontic techniques, the most common being the bite plate. This resembles a human retainer, but is bonded to the upper and lower teeth. The bite plate is custom made and is left in place until the teeth are in proper alignment. Brackets, wires, and tension bands are also used depending on the tooth that needs to be corrected. Show or breeding animals should not have orthodontic work done if there is any possibility that the problem is hereditary. This would give a false impression to the overall quality of the animal to prospective breeders or purchasers of puppies.