Brushing is Fun!
Written by Denise Trachsel LVT. and "NIC" her cat

Brushing your pet's teeth can be FUN! It is also a necessary component of keeping your pet healthy. Just like humans, our pets need regular home care dental routine. A visit to Rochester Veterinary Hospital includes a dental exam as part of our 12 step body systems exam. After a consult with your veterinarian, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended for your pet.

Brushing your pet's teeth helps remove plaque. Plaque is a thin film that forms on the surface of teeth and contains bacteria. When plaque forms and thickens, it can hold bacteria against the gums causing gingivitis, or red swollen gums. If plaque hardens or mineralizes, it becomes the crusty yellow substance called tartar. If left unchecked it can create infection. When you pets gum bleed, chronic infection can enter the pet's bloodstream, damaging vital organs such as the heart, kidney and liver. The presence of dental disease leads to the loss of your pet's teeth and even loss of bone.

Contributing factors include: Lack of a regular dental hygiene routine, breed predisposition,and pet age.

Warning signs:

Bad breath, Excessive Drooling, Facial Swelling, Loose or Missing Teeth, Red or Bleeding Gums, or a Yellow/Brown Crust on the teeth, are all indictive of a dental problem. Check for blood on your pet's toys after they have been played with. Also watch your pets while they are eating and if you notice any chewing problems, or if your pet swallows the food whole, this can be symptomatic of dental disease.

Let's Get Started!
Be Patient - Getting your pet used to brushing may take 4-6 weeks.

Introduce a brushing program by making it fun, short and simple!
Out of sight is out of mind, so keep your pet's toothbrush and paste handy.
Begin by placing toothpaste on your finger and placing your finger inside your pet's mouth.
Next add a dollop of toothpaste to the toothbrush and let your pet lick the toothbrush.
Progress to brushing your pet's teeth in a circular motion, keeping the brush at a 45 degree angle. Make sure to get to the back teeth where tartar is most likely to gather.

Home dental care routine can be supplimented by specifically formulated veterinary products, which contain enzymes that work on a 30 second contact. Human toothpaste is not recommended as it upsets your pet's digestive system. All of the specially formulated products for dental care are available at Rochester Veterinary Hospital. Ask for recommendations at your next visit or call. Our number is (248)852-3650, and we will be happy to assist you.