A regular thorough oral examination by your veterinarian is the first step towards keeping your pet healthy. A home care program can be designed for you that is easy and effective. We recommend the following products that are easy to use but have profound positive effects on your pet’s oral hygiene:

1. Oxyfresh Oral Hygiene Solution: You mix one teaspoon of hygiene solution to a quart of water and use this mixture in the pet’s water bowl. Oxyfresh is tasteless, odorless, stable at room temperature and inexpensive. Oxygene works with zinc to kill bacteria in the mouth so it inhibits plaque build up. This is so easy anyone can do it!
2. CET Enzyme Toothpaste: This product is a special toothpaste that can be swollowed by your pet. Never use human toothpaste! CET Toothpaste has a dual enzyme system patented by the company that inhibits tartar and plaque formation. If you apply this to your pet’s gums before going to bed at night, the enzyme technology will stay in contact with the tissue throughout the night.
3. Royal Canine and Feline Dental Diets: These are the most advanced diets available to help prevent dental disease. The texture of the pellet creates a self-cleaning action on the teeth. There is also an ingredient in this food that binds the salivary calcium so plague buildup is inhibited. This is an all natural food and great for your pet!
4. CET Chews for Dogs: Three sizes of chews are available to accommodate a full spectrum of dogs. These rawhide chews are coated with chlorhexidine, a compound that kills bacteria. You need to use these three times per week to make a significant impact.
5. CET Chews for Cats: These are small cylindrical chews wrapped in a covering with the dual enzyme system. They love em! Again use atleast three times a week for benefit.

For more advanced management we carry a great ergonomic toothbrush, chlorhexidene rinse, and a dental gel.

When your pet needs a professional cleaning, we have state of the art equipment. Our high speed, air driven dental station allows us to work more effectively and efficiently reducing anesthesia time. We are one of the few practices that have a dedicated dental radiology unit for enhanced diagnostics. Our in-house laboratory allows us to evaluate your pets medical status before general anesthesia, insuring maximum safety. During your pets procedure, the vital signs are monitored with a pulse oximeter as well as observation by trained staff. An intravenous line and fluids are always administered. There is always a risk using general anesthesia but this must be balanced with the benefits. We will advise you of any unusual circumstances that may increase your pets risk.

The Cleaning Process

1. The mouth is rinsed with a disinfecting solution called chlorhexidine.
2. An ultrasonic device and hand instruments are used to remove the tartar above and below the gum line.
3. Polishing smoothes the surface of the teeth making it more difficult for particles to adhere to the tooth surface.
4. Flushing with a chlorhexidene rinse removes dislodged tartar and bacteria from the mouth.
5. A flouride foam is applied to the cleaned crowns to harden the enamel.
6. A dental chart is prepared and all abnormalities are noted on this record. The oral health of your pet is graded for future comparison.

If extractions are necessary we use injectable as well as systemic antibiotics and pain medication. Recovery is usually quick and uneventfull. Take home samples are supplied with each dental cleaning.

Summary

Oral hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s wellness program. A profession and home care outline will be tailored to your pets needs as well as your level of commitment. You can add 2-3 years of quality time to your pets life. We will be happy to help you!