August 21, 2017

How to Maintain Good Oral Health for Your Dog(s)

Ever wondered had to keep good OH with your furry babies

The good news is dogs are not as prone to cavities as human beings are. However don’t get me wrong dogs develop problems like tartar and plaque buildup and gingivitis. As with humans these dental problems can cause life-threatening infections including heart problems, lover, and kidney disease. Oral health is connected to the overall systemic health.

How to keep your dogs teeth clean:

Start brushing your dog’s teeth the day you bring them home. They might not like it but if you start the habit early they will get use to it. Make sure to talk to you dog in a low calm tone so they learn that this is a good thing. Rewarding them after also helps with the training process.
This is very important!!!! DO NOT use regular human toothpaste for your dog. Most human toothpastes include fluoride, which can be very toxic to your dog.
Dry food is better than soft food as soft is more likely to stick to the teeth and cause decay.
Chewing on toys can actually help remove and reduce the amount of plaque and keep teeth strong.

When to visit your veterinarian:

Bad breath
Change in eating or chewing habits
Excessive drooling
Red, swollen gums
Bumps or growths within the mouth

How often to visit the vet:

Like human beings best to have a checkup every 6 months

References

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dental-care/7-tips-for-doggie-dental-care

August 16, 2017

Abscess (toothache)

Abscess (toothache)

An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems allow bacteria to enter the pulp (the soft tissue of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone, it forms a pus pocket called abscess. This can lead to serious infections in the jawbone, teeth, and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of an abscess include:

Pain
Swelling
Redness of the gums
Bad taste in the mouth
Fever

An abscessed tooth can be treated with various treatments, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of abscess it may be. Here are some treatment methods that dentist may consider

Antibiotics to destroy the bacteria causing the infection
Drainage of the infection
Cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum if the cause is from gum disease
Root canal treatment if the abscess is caused by decay or cracked tooth

This is why it is important to get routine dental exams done on time to reduce the risk of developing any dental problems.

If any problems occur contact your dentist’s office immediately and if is after hours best to go to an urgent care if major pain or face swelling is noticed.

August 7, 2017

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Toothaches: Rinse your mouth with warm water (tsp of salt If you don’t have high blood pressure problems). Never apply aspirin or any painkillers against your gum tissue.

Chipped or broken teeth: if you see bleeding apply gauze to the area for 10 min or until the bleeding stops. Apply cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip. Keep swelling down and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked out tooth: retrieve the tooth rinse with water and if possible to put the tooth back in place. Make sure it’s facing the right way and never force it into the socket. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour of being knocked out.

Extruded tooth: see your dentist right away. Until you reach your dentists office, use a cold compress on the outside of your moth and take and over the counter pain reliever if needed.

Objects caught between teeth: first try using floss very gently to see if you can carefully remove what has gotten stuck. If not please contact your dentist to get in immediately. Never use any sharp objects to try to get it out on your own.

Lost fillings: Temporarily use an over the counter dental cement until you can get in to see your dentist.

Lost crown: if your crown falls off get in to see your dentist right away. If you have to wait a day or two you can buy over the counter dental cement to place it back in until you get in to see your dentist.

Broken braces and wires: if the wire breaks or sticks out and is poking your gums or cheek, try to push it to a more comfortable position until you can get in to see your orthodontist.

Abscess: abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and the surrounding, with the infection spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.