Home Dental Care: Client Education

🦷 This month we are talking about the "tooth" the whole "tooth" and nothing but the "tooth" 🦷😹! Periodontal disease can be the cause of a variety of health problems, which may not always be recognizable to clients. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable, and with proper at home dental care and client education, the quality of life and oral health of your patients could be increased.

At home dental care should begin at the very first appointment, and continue through the life of the pet. According to the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines, "by 3 years of age, most dogs and cats have some level of periodontal disease." Sometimes oral disease may not be apparent to the pet parents, and that is where you come in!

• After your in-home oral exam, it is suggested to go over your findings and recommendations with the pet parent. Demonstration of proper home-care techniques, including brushing should be part of your wellness examination.

• Always be sure to remind pet parents not to use human based toothpaste due to the fluoride concentration.

• According to Dr. Steven Holmstrom, DAVDC; daily brushing is best practice, as plaque starts to form 6-8 hours after brushing, and because of the bacteria attaching to the tooth, calculus begins to form in 3-5 days.

• With the introduction of new products from Virbac and OraVet, you now have a variety of options to offer clients and your patients to increase in-home oral care compliance.
  

• Continuous at home dental care is extremely important to increasing the life of your patients. Undiagnosed and untreated periodontal disease can lead to a myriad of systemic diseases, including the heart and kidneys. ‍

• Client education on proper oral care techniques and recommendations if the periodontal disease has progressed, as well as a Comprehensive Oral Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) procedure should be part of your complete in-home examination.

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References:

Holmstrom, S. E. (2013/2000). Veterinary Dentistry: A Team Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/978-1-4557-0322-7

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http://www.vohc.org/

Site accessed 2/7/2023

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https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/dental-care/dental-care-home/

Site accessed 2/1/2023

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https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951515

Site accessed 2/6/2023

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