FAQ:
Q: Why use K9 Brite Bite services if I am going to take my dog in for a veterinary checkup? A:
Our cosmetic cleaning is very helpful in assisting veterinarians before they perform an oral exam. When you visit the vet with a clean mouth it is easier for your vet to make an evaluation on what treatment if any is recommended concerning the oral cavity. If your dog needs deeper under the gumline scaling there will be less time under anesthesia because much of the cleaning has been done already. The vet may see that there are loose teeth that need pulled but may not need anesthesia because the tooth is clean and easy to see and pull. If the vet wants to take xrays he can better determine if a full or partial xray is needed. We highly recommend cosmetic cleaning before any vet check if you are not doing regular maintenance at home. Be sure to let your vet know cosmetic cleaning was done or they may think your pet has no problem with plaque and tartar
Q: Do all veterinarians do dental work? A:
Most all veterinary clinics offer dental services. There are questions you may want answered before making your appointment. Who will be cleaning the teeth? How much experience? Will they be monitoring and be focused on your dog only without distractions ( you do not want your dog under anesthesia any longer than needed). Do they use gloves? Do they change gloves if they touch another animal or soiled work surface? Do they properly sterilize the tools between clients or just daily? if you are not feeling comfortable with answers ask to see the wet lab area and look for yourself.
There are veterinary specialist that are Veterinary Dentist. They perform most anything we have done from our own dentist. They are usually charge more for their services but again they are experts in vet dentistry. I would still ask the basic questions listed above until you are comfortable with who you choose for your pet.
Q: Are all non-anesthesia teeth cleaners the same? A:
NO! There are many people out there doing non-anesthesia cleaning, again the question is cross contamination: Do they where gloves? if so, do they put on a new pair for each dog? how do they sterilize the tools? Alcohol is not enough to destroy the bacteria and disease that effect our pets. What is the work area like? Have soiled items been removed from the work area from the previous client? Are they using fresh solutions and paste for each dog or are they sharing a contaminated community bowl? Another question to ask is how do they restrain your pet while they clean the teeth, if you are not satisfied with the answer go somewhere else. Now if they pass the cross contamination test and restraint technique to your satisfaction, ask them to show you your pets teeth when they are finished, they need to show you the bite smile line as well as the rear molars, if you are pleased keep their number.
Q: Should my pet get oral xrays? A:
If it is available do it. It cost a little more but I think xrays should be taken before and after any tooth extraction or surgery. When an xray is taken before an extraction the vet can see many things: how the tooth is sitting in the cavity so it can be elevated and pulled correctly, are there other roots crossed and in the way, how many roots does he tooth have, is there bone loss, etc. A second xray after the tooth is pulled will show if all the roots have been removed and if any damage was done to the bone or surrounding surfaces.
Q: Should I get Pet Insurance? A:
I highly recommend Pet Insurance. You really need to shop around to compare cost and coverage. Dentals are one of the highest vet bills you can have, so I would see what is covered and what they reimburse. There are also many vets offering in house insurance. You pay an annual fee that covers basic expenses and usually one dental cleaning per year.
Q: My veterinarian says my dog's teeth need cleaned. I do not want my dog to go under anesthesia. How do I find someone in my area that does not use anesthesia? A:
First, I would ask your veterinarian if they offer non anesthesia cleaning. Second, I would ask if they recommend anyone. Third, I would ask for recommendations from other responsible pet owners. Fourth, when you find someone I would ask them several questions such as: Do they wear gloves? Do they wash their hands between clients? Do they use new sterile tools for each client? What do they charge? How do they restrain your pet? and any other questions until you feel they would be the right match for your pet.
Q: My Veterinarian does not approve of non-anesthesia cleaning outside a veterinary office. A:
There are several people advertising non-anesthesia dental cleaning claiming they are doing it for the pets health. This is very misleading, veterinarians do Dentals (oral exams, cleaning under the gum line and extractions). Non-anesthesia outside a licensed veterinary clinic is cosmetic only, and anyone doing anything more is in violation of most state's regulations.
Q: Why do you say that K9 teeth cleaning is beneficial to the smile rather than the health of my dog? A:
I do cosmetic teeth cleaning. The procedure is only superficial and will not eliminate or prevent disease or get in under control. The procedure is a temporary fix for a cleaner, brighter appearance. I remove what I can see and can reach without anesthesia, force or constraint. I work on the SMILE line which is the upper outer teeth and the front outer lower. If your dog allows me to reach other tooth services I will clean them as well. I help with your homecare routine between visits to your veterinary office for professional cleaning.
Please read the Cosmetic "Not Dentistry" web page.
Q: What is the difference in how a veterinarian cleans the dogs teeth? A:
Veterinarians examine, diagnose, perform surgery if needed, prescribe medication if needed, take x-rays, use anesthesia if needed. Professional cleaning includes deep scaling. Veterinarians clean under the gum line. Professional cleaning is the first line of defense against catastrophic dental problems. The veterinarian can prescribe short term antibiotics if needed, address tooth decay, gum disease and get in under control. Your vet will be able to educate you on proper care and maintenance for healthy teeth and gums. I do not practice veterinary medicine or dentistry.
Q: Why do you say "ask your veterinarian before doing any dental care? A:
Discussing your dog’s dental health concerns with your veterinarian is advised because canine preventative dental care is important for maintaining your dog’s optimal health and well being. Only a licensed veterinarian will be able to determine what is best for your pet. Your vet will advise you if your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy and home care upkeep or cosmetic cleaning is sufficient. Treatment and procedures related to health issues rather than general grooming should be done by trained professionals. Unhealthy teeth and gums could lead to chronic periodontal disease, infection under the gum line, or abscess in the teeth. It may harm the heart, kidneys and other vital organs. If your pet has a cosmetic cleaning, please be sure to share that information with your vet at your next exam. Clean teeth may mislead the veterinarian to think
that the entire mouth is healthy. Make sure your pet gets a thorough
oral exam.
Q: Do you use an Ultra Sonic cleaner? A:
Yes only on the surface and not under the gumline, unless I am working with a licensed veterinarian or regulations are revised so I can do so: Ultra Sonic cleaning under the gumline should only be used in the veterinarian office by trained and experienced technicians or vets. The pressure from the tool is excellent and fast for cleaning but if not aimed precisely can damage the soft tissue in the mouth.California regulations prevent the use of any device that is intended to reach under the gum line. Only a licensed Veterinarian or trained technician under the supervision of a Veterinarian should be performing veterinarian dentistry.I have also observed that without anesthesia some dogs are stressed by the sound of the tool. It is harder for them to relax. I prefer to keep the experience positive and pleasant for your pet. Your dog may not be a suitable candidate for ultra sonic cleaning.
Q: Do you polish the teeth? A:
Yes, but unless I am working with a licensed veterinarian the method I use is a dentifrice applied with gauze to polish and seal the teeth. Professional polishing in a veterinarian's office is done with a high rpm tool and needs to be done by experienced and trained technicians. The tool is placed on the tooth surface for just a few seconds. It is a heat producing instrument and may cause damage if not used properly. Polishing does not prevent bacterial growth; it does however slow the process down. It makes the enamel smooth which helps keep bacteria from easily adhering to the surface. I have products available for home care and maintenance that help keep tartar and plaque under control. I also coat the teeth with the same product after the cosmetic cleaning.
Q: Do you use medication to sedate the dog?A:
No, I am not a veterinarian and that would be illegal. If your vet has referred you to me and has given you medication for your dog, it is ok for you to give it to your dog. Just a note: I have had owners use ACE from the vet but after doing some research, I do not think that would be the drug of choice. Studies on ACE have shown that it renders the dog incapable of reacting physically but the dogs's mental state is still in fear. I found this true while watching the pupil of a dog on ACE while doing cosmetic cleaning. The dog's eyes showed fear but his body remained still.
I have used with the owners permission canine approved essential oils, botanicals, and aromatherapy that in most cases seem to have a positive response.
I also work on one quadrant at a time. If the dog is doing fine I continue, if not we give the dog a break and continue at the next appointment.
Q: What is anesthesia?
A:
Anesthesia is the use of medication that sedates your pet in order for the veterinarian to perform dental procedures. The risk associated with anesthesia is a concern for pet owners and the main reason owners avoid or resist professional canine dentistry. Talk to your veterinarian for your dog’s specific needs. Dental exams, x-rays, extractions, professional cleaning on all surfaces including under the gum line and between the teeth cannot be performed thoroughly without anesthesia. You may need to schedule a routine preventative care cleaning at your veterinarians office. There are cases that anesthesia will be required. The vet may also recommend an antibiotic regiment prior, during or after a procedure. Only your veterinarian will be able to determine what is best. Remember to always get your vets advice before engaging in any dental care.
Q: How often do I need to clean my dog's teeth? A:
Again this depends on the advice of your veterinarian, health of the dog, genetics, diet and the maintenance you do at home. I have three dogs that keep healthy gums and teeth and another one that requires cleaning more often. Every dog is different. The best way to determine when your dog needs a return visit is to lift the lips and look at the teeth. Look at the upper molars. If you see discoloration or tarter it is time to do something.
Q: Do you work on any dog? A:
No, if the dog appears uncomfortable I will respect that, maybe the next visit will be better. No, not on a pregnant dog, sick dog, unfriendly dog, a dog with advanced stages of dental disease, a dog that is a danger to me or others. I only do adult dogs or dogs with permanent teeth. No, if the owner or responsible person refuses to sign a consent form.
Q: Do you need me to stay with the dog while you clean? A:
My technique involves deep relaxation for both me and the dog, which means no distractions. I may at times have a helper from my mentoring program assist me if needed to keep the dog relaxed. I find that at a first visit the dog is not sure what is going to be taking place. If you are in the room he will make every effort to con you into saving him from the fear of the not knowing. When I don't have his total attention it makes it almost impossible for him to relax. The other reason I prefer to work alone is that I need to be focused totally on the dog. I need to keep the dog in a tranquil state. I need to avoid distractions and keep focused.
Q: What to expect after the cosmetic cleaning? A:
Initially after I clean the teeth your dog should not eat or drink for half an hour. After a half an hour be sure to offer water to your dog. In some rare cases the dog might have a little upset tummy and skip a meal, don't worry this is temporary. He may have swallowed a little tartar that is causing his stomach to be upset.
You might offer your dog canned plain pumpkin, some of my clients have found it helpful. Don't be surprised if you find your dog now drinking more water and chewing his food rather than swallowing it whole. With a clean mouth he is able to taste his food and enjoy it.
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Q: After the cosmetic teeth cleaning, is there any aftercare to follow? A:
If your veterinarian has referred you to me, you will need to ask your vet about the aftercare. Your veterinarian may have given you antibotics for your pet or suggested products for home care. If you did not get a referral, I suggest that you keep the teeth clean by having some type of home care maintenance. I have products to purchase that I use on my dogs that work well. You can also find products in the dental section at your pet stores. Make sure the products do not just address bad breath. You need a product that works on tartar and plaque as well. The most important thing is to follow through with some type of home program. My personal oral home care for my dogs is Durable Nylabones, Oyfresh in their water, Ark Natural Brushless Toothpaste and occassional brushing. This is what I do. You need to follow your veterinarians advice. Oxyfresh pet products can be purchased here online or when you see me.
Q: How many teeth do dogs have? A:
Most breeds, the normal healthy adult dog has 42 teeth. There are 6 small incisors at the front of each jaw, 4 long canine teeth and also pointed molars and premolars along the sides of the jaws.