Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you did not brush them routinely. Not a pleasant thought , but this is the reality for many pets. Unless you are regularly providing this service for your pet, you are neglecting an important part of your pet's overall health.

Routine dental exams and dental care are important in your pet's oral health as well as your pet's general health.  Tarter and plaque buildup in your pet's mouth causes gingivitis and periodontal disease and can send bacteria into the bloodstream and vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and even the brain. Periodontal or gum disease is one of the most common problems seen by veterinarians. We call it the "silent killer" because of its slow, progresssive nature. 

Periodontal disease begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on the teeth. It can cause an infection and subsequent gum inflammation and recession of the gumline. In severe cases, tartar will mineralize into what we all calculus. The gum continues to recede, exposing the tooth root which leads to pain and discomfort. Eventually, the tooth will become more seriously diseased with foul-smell, discharge, bleeding and other symptoms. 

Prevention is the key to caring for your pet's oral health.  Dental examinations should be performed every 6-12 months.  Your pet's teeth should be brushed daily and dental cleanings are performed as needed.  Staff members as Sunset Eastern Animal Hospital can show you to brush your pet's teeth demonstrate the health care products we have to offer.

Many products are available for your pet's oral health care. Some of them inculde the following:

• Enzymatic Toothpaste - This specially formulated toothpaste is available in an array of flavors and unlike human toothpaste is safe for your pet to swallow. Dental care kits including toothpaste and a variety of different toothbrushes are available.
• Oral Hygiene Gel - This antibacterial gel can be used to freshen your pets breath and supplement oral healthcare between brushings.
• Dental Chews - These uniquely designed rawhide chews have an antibacterial coating that helps freshen breath and kill bacteria while cleaning your dogs teeth.
• Hill's T/D - This uniquely formulated diet for cats and dogs help remove plaque and tarter from your pets teeth.  This diet can be fed solely or as supplemental healthy treat to your pets regular diet. **Available in sample sizes. 
• Oravet - A tooth sealant which works best on clean teeth.  It helps prevent the adhesion of tarter and bacteria to the tooth surface.