Cat and Dog Dental Product/Dental Care FAQ

Do mouth rinses work for pets?

Without brushing, mouth rinses are not very effective. With brushing, rinses are helpful.

Rinses: Nolvadent Oral Cleansing Solution and C.E.T. Chlorhexadine Rinse

Can I use an electric toothbrush for my pet?

Yes.

Can I use a human toothbrush or do I need a pet toothbrush?

A small toothbrush that fits your pet’s mouth does the best job and is the most comfortable for your pet. Either choose a small human brush or use a small pet brush. Always use soft bristles.

Toothbrushes: Petrodex Dental Care Kit

Which is better, a finger cot or a toothbrush?

A toothbrush does a better job removing bacteria and plaque from the gingival crevice, the space between the gum and tooth, than a finger cot does. However, a finger cot is better than not brushing.

Finger cot: Petrodex Finger Toothbrushes

Do rawhides, knotted ropes, or hard rubber toys benefit the teeth? Rawhides, knotted ropes, and hard rubber toys can be of limited benefit by mechanically removing plaque. Watch so that your dog doesn’t tear off chunks that can block the intestines. Cow hooves, cooked bones and ice cubes can be harder than teeth, and your pet can break its teeth chewing them. Dental Chews: Greenies, Nylabone Healthy Edibles, Petrodex Dental Treats, Fresh & Floss Rope Toy

What’s the benefit of chlorhexidine on a beef hide chew?

Chlorhexadine controls bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It inhibits plaque and works for up to 12 hours. Paradoxically, while inhibiting the rate of plaque formation, chlorhexidine increases the rate of calculus formation. Typically chlorhexidine is used as a rinse rather than in a toothpaste because some of the ingredients routinely in toothpastes inactivate it. Some pets don’t like the taste of chlorhexidine.

What’s the benefit of a chew toy or rawhide?

Dental Chews: Greenies, Nylabone Healthy Edibles, Petrodex Dental Treats, Fresh & Floss Rope Toy

Should Anyone Be Afraid of Greenies?

Anyone with a dog that wolfs down food needs to be cautious with Greenies. An undissolved lump of Greenie or anything else causes necrosis (cell death) as it compresses the tissues surrounding it. Usually necrosis occurs in the esophagus or small intestine. Without veterinary attention, this necrosis can be fatal. To prevent this, most of us keep an eye on our pets to ensure they don’t swallow chunks when we give bones as treats. Unfortunately, we haven’t been as diligent about preventing our pets from swallowing chunks when we give Greenies. This is our responsibility.

We can begin by training our dogs when they're young to eat slowly. Giving puppies large knuckle bones teaches them to gnaw and not wolf down large chunks. If our dogs haven’t learned this when young, they probably never will. These are the dogs we need to watch when eating treats.

The tragedy is that our pets might die from a treat. And how likely is this to happen? A million to one. Ten million to one? Personally, I’m willing to take this risk with my pets. It’s dental disease that strikes 8 of 10 pets.

What’s the benefit of zinc in an oral product?

Zinc benefits the mouth by:

• stimulating cell growth
• reducing plaque
• reducing halitosis

What’s the benefit of enzymes in an oral product?

Enzymes, such as glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase, kill bacteria that help form plaque. C.E.T. Toothpaste contains enzymes.

What’s Hexametaphosphate (MHP)?

Hexametaphosphate interferes with plaque mineralization by binding the calcium in saliva so plaque cannot harden into calculus. HMP softens already formed plaque. HMP is used as a coating on treats.

Contains HMP: Sweet Breath Tabs

Are Teeth Wipes good?

Yes, they are good, but don’t get under the gumline where most bacteria hide.

Teeth Wipes: ToothWipes Tooth & Gum Cleanser

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians   1 Date Category Topic

 

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