Home Care & Prevention Flashcards
Why is preventative home care so important?
Professional dental cleanings eliminate calculus, however plaque begins reforming on the teeth 6-8 hrs after they are cleaned.
Calculus begins reforming within 3-5 days after a cleaning.
If clients do not continue to remove plaque at home, gingivits will progress and bacteria will colonize the subgingival sites. Subsequently, inflammatory mediators will be released causing inflammation/damage and further bacteria colonization will take place.
T/F: most clients do not believe their pet has dental disease.
true
T/F: nearly 90% of pets have periodontal disease
true
what is the MOST commonly used form of dental home care?
treats
followed by diet, then brushing (least favorite)
what are the 3 general categories of home care products available?
- mechanical
- non-mechanical (chemical)
- combination of those ^
what are the 3 types of mechanical action dental products?
- tooth brushing
- diet
- soluble dental chews
what is the MOST effective form of dental home care?
brushing, but less than 5% clients brush their pets teeth.
Brushing less than _________ is considered INEFFECTIVE.
every other day
why can we NOT use human toothpastes on our pets?
they contain xylitol, fluoride, and frothing agents that are not appropriate for pets.
T/F: hard food can prevent plaque and calculus formation
false – hard food alone will not prevent these things from forming, but can be an additive home care option.
The food is larger to allow for the teeth to have maximal contact and the food “scrubs” plaque on teeth surface.
What is the biggest concern for dental chews?
- Safety concerns (choking)
- Do not reach all of the teeth.
- Dogs who choose to swallow them whole instead of chew them, they are ineffective.
- GI upset – excess protein, preservatives, grain alcohol and xylitol
- Some are high in calories
- Tooth fractures
what is the “rule of thumb” for any pet chews?
if you stick your thumb nail into it, it should create an indentation. If it does not, it is too hard for your pet to safely chew on it.
what are the 4 chemical action dental products?
- dental sealants
- water additives
- chlorhexidine
- soluble zinc salts
_________ are waxy polymers that adhere to tooth by electrostatic attraction and inhibit bacterial adhesion. They are applied after COHAT and then by owner weekly at home.
dental sealant Oravet
_________ is a hydrophilic polymer that forms a film in the gingival sulcus which hinders plaque attachment to gingival margin and sulcus. This is applied after COHAT and lasts for 6 months.
dental sealant SANOS
