Of all the preventative health measures you can take, perhaps nothing is more important than maintaining your pet's dental health. Tartar and gum disease produces more than just "bad breath", it can also lead to disease of the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. Over time, plaque hardens into calculus (covering the teeth in billions of bacteria) which can cause loose teeth, bad breath, gum inflammation, resorptive lesions, gum recession, and systemic disease (which hurts the heart, liver, and kidneys). With recent advances in veterinary medicine, it has become increasingly obvious that good dental care is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to add years and quality to your pet's life.

We recommend routine dental home care started at a young age to prevent your dog or cat from getting periodontal disease. The best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s teeth is brush them with a pet toothpaste (NO fluoride) at least three times a week. Don’t think your dog or cat will let you brush their teeth? We also have a dental water additive, dental treats, Purina Dental Health food, pet oral rinse, and vegetable or beef dental rawhides.

If your dog or cat already has calculus buildup, he or she may need a dental cleaning. Dr. Wigington evaluates all patients every 6 months to determine if he or she is a candidate for a Dental Prophylaxis (dental cleaning).

While the equipment we use to perform the actual cleaning and polishing is the same type of equipment your dentist uses, there are often several additional steps involved in the practice of veterinary dentistry. The biggest difference between human and veterinary dentistry is our routine use of General Anesthesia. Since a pet will not "open wide", the only way to do a thorough dental prophylaxis is to use anesthesia. (see our surgery and dental page for our anesthetic standards and protocols)

If you have any questions about dental prophylaxis, or any aspect of your pet’s health care program, please feel free to ask our veterinarian or our other staff members.

Call 979-846-8716 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

STEPS IN PROPHYAXIS

1. SCALING the tartar from above and below the gum line, using both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment.

2. POLISHING "smoothes down" the surfaces, making them more resistant to plaque formation.

3. DIGITAL DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS show us the structure and positioning of teeth, as well as any problems that would warrant a tooth to be extracted.

4. FLUORIDE TREATMENT strengthens the enamel and decreases the rate of plaque buildup.

5. CHARTING the teeth allows the doctor to have a permanent record so she can monitor problem areas and note any extractions.

6. ANTIBIOTICS are required in veterinary dentistry since dental care is usually not requested or suggested until tooth and gum disease is already present.