Dentals Necessary
Should my
cats and dogs have their teeth cleaned?
Cats and
dogs should have their teeth examined at the time of their annual
physical examination. This usually coincides with their annual
vaccinations. If not, be sure to make a special trip to your
veterinarian at least once a year to properly maintain their health.
Upon examination, your vet will let you know what is necessary. Some
pets never need dental work, while others need frequent cleaning and
oral surgery. On the average, small dogs and older cats need full
dental cleaning annually, with younger cats and larger dogs every two
to four years. In addition to hereditary factors, others such as age,
breed, soft or hard food all play a role in oral health. If you brush
your pet's teeth and rinse regularly with oral disinfectant mouth
wash you can dramatically reduce dental problems. Not all dental
cleanings are the same, so you should shop around to find the best care
for your pets. Only licensed veterinarians can perform thorough dental
cleaning. Groomers and hygienists can brush and wipe your pets teeth,
but they cannot perform dentistry. A complete dental should include
ultrasonic cavitron tartar removal, fluoride treatment, gingival
disinfection, antibiotics, enamel repair, and polishing.
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