• Hero Banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Buying or Selling a Practice
Hospital Design
Leadership & Personal Growth
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Technology
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Live Conferences
Conference News
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Q&A on dental care of pets for the veterinary team (Sponsored by Iams)

July 1, 2012
Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows answers common questions about dental care in pets.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a soft deposit or biofilm on the teeth. This deposit consists of large amounts of bacteria with additional particles of food, protein, and cellular debris. Plaque generally forms along the gingival margin and extends subgingivally, initiating gingivitis. Minerals, primarily calcium, deposit in the plaque to form tartar (calculus). Some plaque can be removed by brushing the teeth and by the crunching, scraping action of chewing dry kibble; however, it starts to reform within minutes after removal.

Tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit on teeth (see photo). It is composed of mineral salts, food, and other debris that has hardened over time. Tartar provides a rough, porous surface, which increases the total surface area for more plaque and tartar to form. This repeated cycle — plaque, tartar, more plaque, and more tartar — contributes to periodontal inflammation. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or by the crunching, scraping action of chewing dry kibble. Tartar will need to be removed though a professional dental cleaning with the patient under anesthesia. However, the rate of tartar and plaque formation can be reduced through home care that includes regular brushing and the feeding of a food that includes the tartar-reducing agent sodium hexametaphosphate.

What health concerns are associated with plaque and tartar buildup?

Advertisement

Clients need to understand that dental health is important not only for the well-being of the oral cavity but also for the pet's whole body. Plaque initiates gingivitis and is often the initiating source of bad breath. Plaque is also the foundation for tartar formation. Tartar and plaque accumulation produce mechanical irritation, increased colonization of bacteria, and progression of gingivitis, eventually leading to periodontitis. Advancing disease leads to gum regression, root exposure, and destruction of supportive connective tissue, causing mobile teeth and tooth loss. In some instances, severe disease may even lead to health conditions in other parts of the body, including the heart and kidneys.

"Did you know...?" (click to enlarge)

What is a balanced approach to preventive dental care?

A comprehensive approach to a pet's oral health includes both professional and home care segments. The veterinarian is key to establishing an oral health program that includes professional care, such as examination and assessment of the teeth, tongue, and gingivae; dental scaling and treatment of disease, when necessary; and education of the client on proper oral home care.

The pet owner has the important role of carrying out the day-to-day dental care, including regular brushing or wiping of the teeth and providing plaque and tartar control benefits through their choices of treats and food. The strength of a dental preventive program comes from daily home care and a supportive reminder system to ensure the pet receives periodic professional oral assessment and treatment, appropriate to its oral health and the level of home care being performed.

What tips can you share for improving client compliance in a pet's dental care?

First and foremost, clients need to understand why oral health is important to their pet's overall well-being, as well as the importance of dental home care. Dental care improves overall health, not just oral health. Posters, flipcharts, models, and handouts are advantageous in educating clients and improving information retention.

Dental care should begin when a pet is very young so that it becomes familiar with mouth handling and plaque control. Firm recommendations on the choice of a tooth or finger brush, dental wipes, and toothpaste and a demonstration of teeth cleaning can boost client confidence and compliance. Recommendations should also extend to effective and safe products that reduce plaque and tartar formation through mechanical or non-mechanical means, such as dental treats or foods with a coating of sodium hexametaphosphate. For clients who lack the ability to clean the teeth or for pets that are uncooperative, dental treats and food become a big asset in home care.

Related Content:

NutritionTechnicians
Pride, representation, and inclusion in vet med
Pride, representation, and inclusion in vet med
Workplace bottlenecks in the LGBTQIA+ community
Workplace bottlenecks in the LGBTQIA+ community
The importance of safety, trust, and equity in the practice
The importance of safety, trust, and equity in the practice

Advertisement

Latest News

Pride, representation, and inclusion in vet med

Partnership to promote diversity in veterinary medicine and more

Morris Animal Foundation accepting canine cancer research proposals

AI-enhanced MyLabX90VET ultrasound system unveiled

View More Latest News
Advertisement