Ask the VET
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.
