Dental Health
Imagine how your own mouth would look and feel if you didn't brush your teeth for years and years.
Not a pleasant image, is it?
Now, raise your hand if you brush your cats teeth on a daily basis.
{It's okay, neither do we!}
So it's no exaggeration to suggest that most cats will suffer from some form of dental disease during their lifetime.
Happily, there are many ways in which we can help your kitty keep a mouth that is clean and free of pain and infection.
Of course, the first step in that process is identifying the degree of dental disease from which your cat may be suffering. The above photo shows the progression of tooth and gum disease.
Following an oral exam, it's likely that we will recommend a complete dental cleaning for your cat. Preventive measures such as dental treats or water additives and even brushing, will not be effective until the mouth is completely clean. In fact, some preventive measures such as special treats or brushing could be painful and even detrimental to your cat before a professional cleaning.
Dental cleanings are performed under a general anaesthetic. Using an ultrasonic scaler, gross tartar deposits are removed and then hand instruments are used for fine cleaning of teeth both above and below the gum line. Teeth are then polished and treated with fluoride.
Following an oral exam, it's likely that we will recommend a complete dental cleaning for your cat. Preventive measures such as dental treats or water additives and even brushing, will not be effective until the mouth is completely clean. In fact, some preventive measures such as special treats or brushing could be painful and even detrimental to your cat before a professional cleaning.
Dental cleanings are performed under a general anaesthetic. Using an ultrasonic scaler, gross tartar deposits are removed and then hand instruments are used for fine cleaning of teeth both above and below the gum line. Teeth are then polished and treated with fluoride.
Tools of the trade...
The same instruments that are used by your dental hygienist are used for the care of your kitty's teeth - in the photo, an ultrasonic scale removes built-up deposits of tartar and plaque
Attention to detail....
the narrow crevices between teeth and below the gum-line are cleaned using an assortment of hand-held instruments
We also perform extractions when indicated -- resorptive lesions, broken/abscessed teeth.
Throughout the procedure, your kitty is maintained on IV fluids to support blood pressure and help in elimination of anaesthetic agents and your beloved cat has all vital signs monitored by highly trained personnel. Appropriate pain protocols are tailored individually to ensure your friend is happy and comfortable both before, during and after the procedure.
Once your cat has a clean bill of oral health - there are various things you can do at home to keep that kitty-smile kissably clean and fresh.
Of course, daily brushing is the gold standard -- but whoever decided that, neglected to factor in how most cats (and their people) feel about brushing their teeth. And while we know that patient and careful training can achieve teeth-brushing success, we are also inclined to be realistic!
With that in mind, our two favourite alternatives are dental treats and a veterinary-dentist recommended water additive.
Remember, if it doesn't have the VOHC seal, then it hasn't been proven effective for the care and maintenance of oral health!
Feel free to drop us a note or give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your cat's smile!
Of course, daily brushing is the gold standard -- but whoever decided that, neglected to factor in how most cats (and their people) feel about brushing their teeth. And while we know that patient and careful training can achieve teeth-brushing success, we are also inclined to be realistic!
With that in mind, our two favourite alternatives are dental treats and a veterinary-dentist recommended water additive.
Remember, if it doesn't have the VOHC seal, then it hasn't been proven effective for the care and maintenance of oral health!
Feel free to drop us a note or give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your cat's smile!
