Good home dental care is essential for your pet’s oral health.
Within six hours after the dental cleaning, bacteria from plaque begins to colonize on the teeth.
What can you do to keep the teeth healthy?
Brushing
- The best option! The more often you brush the better. Aim for daily, every other day is great too!
- Brushing removes plaque and bacteria before it hardens into tarter and causes gingivitis.
- If you have never brushed before, see our “How to brush your pet’s teeth” handout.
- Remember to use pet safe toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. (CET Toothpaste comes in many flavors and many types of CET Toothbrushes are available too)
Rinsing - Great for pets that won’t let you brush!
- CET Oral Rinse has plaque-fighting agents that help prevent gingivitis by killing bacteria.
- Squirt the liquid between your pet’s teeth and gums once a day, it’s that easy!
OraVet Sealant
- For plaque prevention, OraVet is a wax-like substance that is applied along the gum line on the outside of the teeth once a week.
- This can be used with other home care options!
Chewing
- In addition to brushing or rinses (or when other options are not possible) CET Chews, CET Dental Rewards, or Hills T/D food work great.
- CET Chews contain enzymes that kill bacteria and are abrasive to remove plaque. Give once a day.
- CET Dental Rewards (for dogs only) contain a special bacteria-killing agent. Use once a week.
- Hills T/D is a food specially formulated to break down to clean teeth. They are also bigger so your pet has to chew! Use as the main diet or as treats daily.
- At the pet store look for treats with the VOHC seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council). These are proven to be effective against plaque & tartar.
- Some toys like Dental Kongs or rope toys can also aid in plaque removal. NEVER give your pet a hard bone/toy because they could possibly break a tooth. Not all “Veterinary Recommended” labeled toys are safe. As with any toy, remember to supervise when chewing!
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