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Like our teeth, dogs have an inner chamber of the tooth known as the pulp cavity. This hollow cavity (or chamber) contains the blood and nerve supply of the tooth. Anyone who has ever broken a tooth can surely empathize with the pain your pet will feel. To make matters worse, fractured teeth put the pet at high risk for developing serious infections of the gums, the nerve or even the underlying jaw bones. Millions of pets do suffer from serious dental disease. These pets may also exhibit behavioral changes due to their pain. Unfortunately many of these pets are relinquished to rescues or even euthanized. Your pet doesn’t have to suffer from dental disease and you don’t have to tolerate “doggy breath”. Making a dental plan with your veterinarian will not only prevent dental disease, but may stop other health problems as well.
The first step is to have your veterinarian do a complete oral exam on your pet. Note any areas of excessive tartar build-up and any other concerns, such as fractured teeth, bleeding gums or ulcerations in the mouth. Next, if appropriate, schedule a complete dental cleaning with your veterinarian. Cleaning will remove the tartar and plaque, reducing bacteria that cause serious illnesses, such as heart disease. Using digital x-rays allows the veterinarian to see under the gum line, a crucial step in preventing future dental problems. After the cleaning, your veterinarian may apply a barrier sealant to help repel plaque-causing bacteria. This high tech - low cost – sealant gel is easy to continue at home and will help prevent further build up of plaque and tartar.
Home care is a vital part of maintaining your pet’s dental health. From routine brushing to special water additives and chew toys, your veterinarian can help make caring for your pet’s teeth easier. Some foods are even designed to help remove plaque build-up! The best news? These products not only remove plaque, but help to minimize bad breath. For some pets, they just might be lifesavers as well. To see what you can do to protect your pet’s smile, visit www.MyVNN.com to see a video.
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Dr. Sara Lash is a veterinarian at Healthy Pets Mobile Vet and can be reached at www.drsaralash.com or by calling 919-329-7387(PETS)
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