Welcome to Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental
Clinic!
Natural Veterinary Dental Care
Pet owners know that their four-legged best friends have teeth,
but usually do little to keep them healthy. The mouth is the
entrance point of food into the body. It is important to keep your
pet's teeth and gums clean and strong.
Examining the teeth monthly is helpful. Most dogs and cats are
happy to let their owners peek inside the mouth to look at the
teeth. First, look at the face. One side should be the same as
the other. Note abnormal swellings. When looking at the head,
feel the glands under your pet's neck. Both should be the same
size. Next, raise the lips and look at the teeth and gums. Note
any areas of inflammation (redness), swelling, or broken teeth.
Cats are especially prone to painful cavities which occur at the
gumline. Finally, if you feel courageous, take a whiff of your
pet's breath. If it doesn't smell like roses, a trip to the
veterinarian is in order.
Home dental preventative care is the best gift you can give your
dog. If daily brushing is not performed, plaque will form at the
area where the gum meets the tooth. In time, plaque will attract
calcium salts and calculus forms. The plaque and calculus
irritates the gum tissue leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis, if treated early, can be cured. Periodontitis can only
be controlled, not cured. Daily brushing is the key to dental
home care. Brushing can be easy if you take a clean towel,
wrap it around your finger, and gently rub around the gumline.
The upper teeth attract the most plaque, so spend the most
time there. Pet toothpastes and toothbrushes are available at
your veterinarian's office. Natural human toothpastes can also
be used.
General natural remedies are useful for animal dental care. As
with all medical recommendations, they should be checked with
your veterinarian before giving them to your pet.
Clinic!
Natural Veterinary Dental Care
Pet owners know that their four-legged best friends have teeth,
but usually do little to keep them healthy. The mouth is the
entrance point of food into the body. It is important to keep your
pet's teeth and gums clean and strong.
Examining the teeth monthly is helpful. Most dogs and cats are
happy to let their owners peek inside the mouth to look at the
teeth. First, look at the face. One side should be the same as
the other. Note abnormal swellings. When looking at the head,
feel the glands under your pet's neck. Both should be the same
size. Next, raise the lips and look at the teeth and gums. Note
any areas of inflammation (redness), swelling, or broken teeth.
Cats are especially prone to painful cavities which occur at the
gumline. Finally, if you feel courageous, take a whiff of your
pet's breath. If it doesn't smell like roses, a trip to the
veterinarian is in order.
Home dental preventative care is the best gift you can give your
dog. If daily brushing is not performed, plaque will form at the
area where the gum meets the tooth. In time, plaque will attract
calcium salts and calculus forms. The plaque and calculus
irritates the gum tissue leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis, if treated early, can be cured. Periodontitis can only
be controlled, not cured. Daily brushing is the key to dental
home care. Brushing can be easy if you take a clean towel,
wrap it around your finger, and gently rub around the gumline.
The upper teeth attract the most plaque, so spend the most
time there. Pet toothpastes and toothbrushes are available at
your veterinarian's office. Natural human toothpastes can also
be used.
General natural remedies are useful for animal dental care. As
with all medical recommendations, they should be checked with
your veterinarian before giving them to your pet.
| HOMETOWN ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND DENTAL CLINIC |
| Dr. Jan Bellows, D.V.M. |
 | |  | |  |
| Phone: 954.349.5800 |
