The oral cavity is very important to the overall health of cats. It is the first part of the digestive tract, and arguably the most important. Domestic cats are designed to have 30 permanent teeth which erupt by the time they are 7-8 months of...
How to treat a dog tooth abscess is a common question for general practitioners and board-certified veterinary dentists. It’s a question that is first answered with more questions. What is the cause of the tooth abscess?...
Oral home care for your feline companion is an integral component of maintaining a healthy oral cavity along with routine professional cleanings (COHAT). And brushing your cat’s teeth is considered to be the “gold standard” in oral home care.
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How many times has your veterinarian pleaded with you to brush your dog’s teeth? This task may sound daunting and even a little dangerous, but with the proper instrumentation, technique, training, and a positive mindset, it may be accomplished.
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The causes of facial swelling in dogs and cats are numerous and can vary significantly in size, shape, firmness, and location. The significance can also be quite variable, ranging from minor to life-threatening.
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When I first brought my cat, Wilbur the Wildcat, home five years ago, I had very little knowledge about the daily ins and outs of caring for a cat. I had been a vet for about three years at that point, so I...
The tongue is a unique organ that is responsible for a diverse array of functions including vocalization, prehension and swallowing of food and water, chewing (mastication), grooming, and suckling in dogs. Additionally, the tongue aids in reducing body temperature (thermoregulation) during panting.
Saliva is constantly produced and secreted into the oral cavity from a dog’s salivary glands. Dogs have four pairs of major salivary glands and several other minor ones that drain within the oral cavity.
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Dogs have 42 teeth consisting of incisors, canines (fang teeth), premolars, and molars. Incisors are used for gripping things and grooming. The function of the canine teeth is to grasp during prey apprehension.
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Oral ulcers in cats are lesions that occur in the oral cavity and can be quite painful. Treatment of oral ulcerations depends on the underlying cause. In humans, mouth ulcers are commonly called ‘canker sores.’
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