Meet Emilio!
He is a handsome 4-year-old Persian who has been a patient of Coxwell Animal Clinic since he was a kitten. His owners are aware of the importance of proper preventative care whether it be annual examinations, vaccinations, proper nutrition and last but definitely not least, dental hygiene.
Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn’t brush them for years – let alone for just a couple of weeks or even days. Your pet’s teeth are no different. Did you know that a staggering 70% or more of cats show signs of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old?
The key to managing dental disease is prevention.
Unless you are providing some form of dental care on a regular basis for your pet(s) you are ignoring an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellness. Feeding dry dental diets or dental treats / chews may help slow the development of recurrent periodontal disease but daily tooth brushing is the best way to slow (and possibly prevent) the recurrence of dental problems.
Without the aid of brushing, accumulation of dental plaque / calculus (as a result of bacteria in the mouth) and tartar formation can result in what is termed ‘periodontal disease’ – disease affecting the teeth and the structures around the teeth that support and keep them healthy which can lead to extraction of the affected teeth.
Emilio’s owners understand that regular dental checkups are important in tracking and trending his overall dental health. For the last 2 years Emilio has visited me at the clinic where I have had the pleasure of performing his dental examination. His owners deserve all the credit in the world but he is truly a poster boy and perfect example that home dental care can make a world of difference!
Emilio’s owners are dedicated by taking the time to brush his teeth daily with an enzymatic toothpaste. Most importantly, they brush them after meals to ensure food particles and bacteria are removed which aid in healthy gingiva and enamel just like you or me. Emilio doesn’t mind his brushing sessions as the toothpaste is quite tasty, what kitty doesn’t like the taste of chicken right?
Daily brushing for Emilio has kept his teeth in pristine condition! He has no signs of calculus build up and his gums are gingivitis free and that’s how Emilio’s owners plan on keeping it!
Do you have questions or are you in need of some tips on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth? Simply contact Coxwell Animal Clinic and a Technician would be more than happy to perform a no charge dental exam where they will answer any questions you may have as well as provide you with a demonstration.
Amy Parisien, Practice Manager / Technician
