犬と猫の歯周病予防
歯周病は3歳以上のペットの80％以上に影響します。予防は治療より簡単で安価です。簡単な方法を学びましょう。
By age three, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Left untreated, it causes pain, tooth loss, and can damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. The good news: dental disease is largely preventable with simple daily care. RVC provides professional cleanings and home care guidance. Call +853 6677 6611.
- Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for prevention
- Dental diets and chews help reduce plaque buildup
- Professional cleaning under anesthesia is needed periodically
- Bad breath is NOT normal — it's an early sign of dental disease
- Small dogs and brachycephalic breeds are at higher risk
- Dental disease causes systemic infection affecting organs
Daily Home Care
Tooth brushing daily (or at least 3x weekly) with pet-specific toothpaste is the most effective prevention. Never use human toothpaste — fluoride and xylitol are toxic to pets. Start slowly: let your pet lick toothpaste off your finger, then introduce the brush gradually. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth. Dental wipes, gels, and water additives are alternatives if brushing isn't possible.
Dental Diets and Treats
VOHC-approved dental diets and treats have been tested and proven to reduce plaque and tartar. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. Dental chews work by mechanical abrasion as the pet chews. Rawhide and bones can fracture teeth — use with caution. Some prescription dental diets have special kibble design that cleans teeth as the pet bites.
Professional Cleanings
Even with perfect home care, professional cleaning under anesthesia is needed every 1-3 years. This allows full examination, dental X-rays (essential for finding problems below the gumline), scaling above and below the gumline, and polishing. Anesthesia-free cleanings are cosmetic only and don't address subgingival disease. RVC uses modern anesthesia protocols that are very safe for healthy pets.
Signs of Dental Problems
Watch for: bad breath, red or bleeding gums, yellow/brown tartar buildup, drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, loose teeth, or swelling under the eye (tooth root abscess). Cats may show more subtle signs: dropping food, eating on one side, or avoiding dry food. Pain from dental disease is often hidden — pets instinctively hide pain.
- Bad breath that persists after brushing
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Visible tartar buildup on teeth
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Loose teeth or swelling around the face
RVC
RVC offers comprehensive dental services including cleaning, X-rays, extractions, and oral surgery. Schedule a dental checkup at +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611