Dental Health Information

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three show signs of dental disease.

Like people, pets need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. If not removed, this buildup may lead to periodontal disease and more serious health problems.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth causing inflammation of the gums, roots and bones of the mouth.

How do you know if your pet has periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

The inflammation and infection caused by periodontal disease causes bacteria to be released into the bloodstream. This release of bacteria can cause damage to internal organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, or may lead to other serious health problems. These infections are usually treatable when caught at an early stage.

How can you prevent periodontal disease?

1. 

   Bring your pet to Dr. Jewett for a dental exam.
   Your pet’s teeth are examined during routine wellness exams, however if you suspect a problem don’t wait until the next visit.

2. Begin a dental care program at home.
   As puppies and kittens, owners can start dental care by getting their pets used to brushing their teeth. However, if you have an older pet now – it’s never too late to start!

Dental Health Food

DH helps to decrease the amount of plaque that bonds to the teeth with the mechanical action of chewing. It’s that simple! One such specially formulated diet is Hill’s T/D, available for dogs and cats.

OraVet Plaque Prevention is a revolutionary product that significantly reduces plaque and tartar formation that develops on your pet’s teeth in between dental cleanings. It does this by creating an invisible barrier that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to your pet's teeth. OraVet is a completely safe and drug-free product that adheres to teeth even through brushing.

How it works: OraVet barrier sealant is put on at the end of a dental cleaning procedure at Hartwood. Then, you will receive an 8-week OraVet plaque prevention gel home kit. Starting two weeks after your pet’s dental cleaning, apply the OraVet gel once a week to maintain the barrier established at Hartwood. The applicators are included in the kit, and it takes less than 1 minute to do. EASY!