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to consumers, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society with an educational grant
provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., helps pet owners understand the importance of regular dental care for their pets.
Particularly at risk are small dog breeds, such as Pekingese and Shihtzu. Experts say these breeds are more likely to develop tooth problems because
their teeth are crowded into small mouths. This can create a haven for plaque buildup.
Cervical line lesions (CLL) also known as Feline Odontoclastic Lesions(FORL), are the most common dental disease of domestic cats. Studies show
that about 28 percent of domestic cats that veterinarians examine have CLL. Because the lesions often begin beneath the gumline, owners usually are
unaware that there is a problem until the tooth is seriously damaged.
Prevention
Prevention is the key to helping pets maintain good oral health. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow three
important steps:
1. Visit Your Veterinarian
Just as dental visits are the cornerstone of a human dental program, visiting a veterinarian is the key to ensuring the health of your pet's teeth. A
veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet as part of the dental evaluation.
2. Start a dental care routine at home
Removing plaque regularly from your pet's teeth should be part of your pet's home dental care routine. Ask your veterinarian about the procedure for
brushing your pet's teeth. Dog owners also may feed specially formulated dietary foods that help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar from
teeth when the pet eats. Your veterinarian can offer more information on dietary options.
3. Get Regular Veterinary Dental Checkups
The family veterinarian needs to monitor the progress of your pet's preventive dental care routine much the same way a dentist monitors your teeth.
Regular dental check-ups are essential.
Once a pet's teeth display the warning signs — bad breath, a yellow brown crust of tartar around the gumline, pain or bleeding when the pet eats or
when you touch its gums — gum disease may already be present. For a professional dental check-up please contact us today
