10/12/2023
Let’s Talk Teeth! Did you know there is a big difference between a “dental cleaning” and the service we provide called a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment)?
A COHAT is a thorough examination of your pet’s oral cavity along with the formulation of an in-depth treatment plan to address any oral and dental disease. A COHAT includes full x-rays of the mouth, descaling and polishing, extractions (if needed), and the application of a sealant. A dental cleaning only includes scaling and polishing, and the application of a sealant. It does not include x-rays, so disease below the gums is often unnoticed and left untreated.
Dental x-rays are a particularly important part of your pet’s oral health. The patient in the attached photo showed no signs of abscess upon initial examination. Once sedated, the x-rays revealed a large abscess (circled in red) affecting the roots of the molar. Left untreated, this abscess would have continued to develop causing further damage to the bone, and potentially leading to systemic infection or endocarditis (an infection in the lining of the heart) and heart failure.
Some common symptoms of dental infection in both dogs and cats are bad breath, discolored teeth, reduced appetite, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Infected or abscessed teeth may also present as swelling of the face or jaw. These symptoms can be so severe as to greatly impact your pet’s quality of life. Many owners note that their pets act years younger and see a substantial improvement in their overall happiness and comfort after their COHAT.
The best way to prevent dental disease is regular exams with your veterinarian. In addition, the Veterinary Oral Health Council has a list of brushing products, treats, foods, and water additives that help reduce tartar build up and improve oral health. You can find a full list of products here: http://www.vohc.org/all_accepted_products.html
