During a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from a pet’s teeth, and the health of the entire mouth is assessed. A thorough dental cleaning can be accomplished only while the pet is under general anesthesia. Anesthesia keeps your pet free of pain during the dental procedure and allows your veterinarian to fully inspect the teeth and remove tartar from under the gums. During anesthesia, a soft plastic tube is inserted into the main airway in the throat to support the patient’s breathing, an intravenous catheter is placed for your pet to receive fluids, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG/EKG monitors are placed to monitor your pet.

A dental cleaning includes the following:

Removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth

Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum

Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease

Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria

Full mouth radiographs to evaluate condition of teeth under the gum line

A fluoride treatment (or we can apply Sanos for additional cost)

Removal of fractured or abscessed teeth

Sanos

We offer a product called Sanos that can be applied to your pet's teeth after they are cleaned. SANOS^® is a gingival dental sealant for dogs and cats that seals the subgingival gum line (gingival sulcus) against the formation of plaque. Clinically proven to last for 6 months without any take-home application required.

FACTS ABOUT DENTAL DISEASE

• 85% of all pets over the age of 2 have developed periodontal disease, which is the most common disease in pets.
• Periodontal disease starts when plaque, a mixture of bacteria and food debris, mineralizes into calculus. This process takes only 48 hours and once formed it cannot simply be “brushed away”.  The calculus leads to gingivitis (infection of the gum) and periodontal disease that if left untreated can result in the loss of bone and eventually teeth.
• Periodontal disease also causes infection in your pet’s mouth. The bacteria from this, infection enters your pet’s bloodstream 24 hours a day and showers their organs.  This can cause significant damage to the heart, kidneys and liver.
• However all hope is not lost! A professional tooth cleaning is available here at Northland Veterinary Services and we also offer a wide range of at home care that you can utilize to help prevent periodontal disease in your pet.

AT HOME CARE FOR YOUR PETS TEETH

Daily Brushing

This is the most effective method of prevention available, but must be performed on a daily basis.  Daily brushing will prevent 80% of tartar buildup.  A handout highlighting how to properly brush your pet’s teeth is available.

 We offer several different flavors of toothpaste such as poultry, seafood, beef and vanilla-mint. Don't forget to pick up a toothbrush!

Rinses and Gels

The next best prevention is to use a gel or rinse on your pet daily.  We offer two options here at the clinic

Maxiquard is a tasteless cleansing gel that is applied to the gums and aids in tissue repair as well as freshening breath.

Breathalyzer is a mild disinfectant that kills bacteria, reduces plaque and freshens breath. Just add to your pet's water!

Greenies

Given as a daily treat, greenies helps clean your pet's teeth and freshens breath!

CET Dog Chews

These chews help reduce buildup of plaque and tartar while also freshen their breath!

Whimzee (HYPOALLERGENIC!)

These fun shaped chews help reduce buildup of plaque, tarter, and freshens breath while being hypo for our allergy patients!

When used daily these products will prevent 60% of tartar buildup

When considering these options, keep in mind that the best choice for your pet

 is the one that will actually get done.

Please choose an option that works best for both you and your pet.