Dental Home Care QUIZ

Question 1

T/F: Tooth brushing is known to be the single most effective means of removing plaque.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

T/F: Tartar (calculus) can be removed by oral chews, dry kibble or engineered toys.

Answer 2

False.
Only plaque can be removed by these methods. Calculus requires professional scaling/polishing for removal.

Question 3

T/F: Because it takes 10 days for tartar/calculus to form, brushing teeth once weekly is effective.

Answer 3

False.
- It takes only 48hrs so brushing at least every two days is recommended.

Question 4

T/F: It is the mechanical action of tooth brushing that removes plaque, not the use of toothpaste.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

The toothbrush should be held at what angle in relation to the surface of the tooth?
a. 25 degree
b. 45 degree
c. 90 degree

Answer 5

b. 45 degree

Question 6

When brushing pet teeth, to clean both teeth and gums, which motion should be used?
1. back and forth motion
2. up and down motion
3. circular motion

Answer 6

3. circular motion

Question 6

List four clinical signs of periodontal disease in dogs or cats.

Answer 6

1. Bad breath
2. Red/swollen gums (gingivitis)
3. Difficulty or not eating
4. Tartar (yellow/brown appearance)

Periodontal Disease is the loss of tooth attachment to the bone and gingiva.
- Clinical signs: any sign consistent with oral pain; any sign of gingival disease (inflammation, halitosis and/or bleeding); any sign of loss of tooth attachment (gingival recession; furcation; tooth mobility)
- Calculus scoring of crown of tooth itself is not scoring Periodontal Disease - although calculus subgingival would be a sign of periodontal disease

Question 7

Describe who and what is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is/does.

Answer 7

Recognizes products that meet the standards of slowing/delaying the development of tartar in cats & dogs.

• The VOHC is a group of 9 Veterinary Dentists or Dental Scientists that exists to recognize products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats.
• Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance following review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. The VOHC does not test products itself.

Question 8

List and briefly describe four topics that should be included with Dental Discharge Instructions.

Answer 8

1. Medications given/going home with
   - List out what was given and side effects to be expected. List what’s going home with them (and go over how to give it, etc)
2. Follow up appointment/call
   - Date & time, (possibly) brief explanation of what the follow up will entail
3. What was done
   - Radiographs, extractions, BW, cleaning
4. What to feed & how long
   - Ex: Wet food only for 14 days
   - If patient needs to transition to a special diet