Dog Community

infected tooth

Posted : 4/3/2008 10:46:07 AM

So I brought Zoe in this morning for her third dental cleaning (she is only 3 years old) and after the vet inspected her teeth, she pointed out that the gums abover her left canine tooth were receded and there was imflammation and infection. If I had waited any longer she may have lost the tooth, or worse. They cleaned her teeth and when I pick her up they will give me instructions on what do so. They want me to clean the bad tooth every single day with Sensodyne toothpaste, using a gauze to apply and then a wet gauze to remove. The reason for Sensodyne is that the dentine of the tooth is exposed and is probably sensitive. Then, clean the rest of her teeth with a toothbrush and regular doggy toothpaste. I honestly don't know how I am going to do this, Zoe *hates* being restrained and after a few times of doing this she will run and hide from me every time I approach. It's going to take a lot of yummy treats I think (string cheese). She will also be on a course of antiobiotics to treat the infection.

I feel like this is my fault because I didn't brush her teeth regularly. I didn't realize a tooth can get that bad in just 6 months time. It's not like I went for years without giving her dental care, as I said this is her 3rd cleaning and she is not even 3 years old. The rest of the teeth had some tartar buildup but this one tooth was really bad. The vet made me feel like I was neglecting her health Embarrassed and my eyes were welling up with tears when I was there. I hope I can keep this from happening again.

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/3/2008 11:04:57 AM

The best *single* thing I do for the dog's teeth is to give them a raw marrow bone every week. I buy a package at the grocery store (big ones -- like 1 1/2 " long) and pop them in the freezer and then give them one a week.

Even the little old lady peke (who is like 15-16) will clean one slicker than a whistle (and she only has a FEW teeth left - when I got her 2 years ago the first thing the vet had to do was pull 12 teeth!!!) -- but man, it helps the teeth SOOOOOO much.

As far as brushing -- sometimes you have to get wiley. Tie tooth-brushing with something AWESOME. Not just treats.

I tie mine with doing pet therapy (which they LOVE to do - it means going in the car, getting TONS of attention and oooohhhhs and "SO CUTE" and just major ego stroking) -- so you gotta get your teeth brushed to go see _____________!!! Literally I do the brushing, stand up and say "Let's GO!!!" It's like a super reward!

Now with Foxy I still had to get cagier -- super super bonded to ME and not all that treats motivated.

However -- if he could get attention FROM ME over and above what the others got -- ohhhhh ho!!!! YES!!!

So, I took MY old toothbrush (I like those little disposable electric ones?) which was **** special**** (not like the others) and said "Ok -- you can have MOM's!!"

Because it was electric it's faster! I took a bit of time the first time to desensitize him, but thereafter he thot getting HIS teeth brushed was cool -- because HE got something ***speshul***

He was a little stinker sometimes -- always wanting to be 'special' -- but heck, make it work for ya!!!

cakana

Posted : 4/3/2008 11:05:57 AM

Honestly, don't be so hard on yourself. I doubt the majority of us brush our dogs teeth on a daily basis or even less frequently. I imagine that dogs are like humans in that some are just going to be more predisposed to dental problems regardless of what you do. 3 cleanings on a 3 yr old tells me that you're probably going to have to be super vigilant with Zoe. I had one dog who I trained to like getting her teeth brushed every night. She'd sit by the bathroom sink and not get in bed until I'd done it. I'd put a towel down, sit on the floor with the toothbrush and let her come to me. I'd let her lick it and then make all kinds of happy sounds as I scrubbed her teeth. She was more interested in the taste of the toothpaste (I used whatever I used for myself). Hopefully you can do something like that with Zoe and she'll come to enjoy it.

jenns

Posted : 4/4/2008 5:59:07 PM

So I brushed Zoe's teeth for the first time today, and I have to say it went pretty well! Started off with showing her the finger brush and at the same time giving a piece of freeze dried liver (which she loooooves and was begging for a minute earlier). Then, brushing and following that with another piece of liver. No problem! Now I really was only able to get the front teeth and the canines, I have no idea how I can reach the back molars. Maybe weekly rmb's will help with that. The main issue is that one offending left canine. Then I figured while I had the brush and toothpaste out I would brush Zack's teeth too. It was a little more difficult to get him to sit still but I still got some brushing done. Thanks for the advice!

jessies_mom

Posted : 4/4/2008 9:42:53 PM

I'm glad the brushing went well. It's harder to get the back teeth; I pull Jessie's lips back with one hand while brushing with the other. It takes some getting use to. RMB's and bully sticks also help; recreational bones don't do much for the back teeth.