Preventive Dental Care (COHAT)
Routine dental care matters.
Spring Creek Animal Hospital recommends COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) dental cleanings. This means we assess the whole mouth with an oral exam and dental x-ray as it relates to the pet’s overall health and habits and a treatment plan created for any problems found.
A general dental cleaning alone does very little for your pet’s oral health. The crowns of the teeth are cleaned without treating any conditions below the gum line. Dental cleanings make the teeth look cleaner and help the pet’s breath smell better temporarily.
Oral health affects the whole body. COHAT finds and treats dental problems before they get so severe that they cause problems for the jaw, the sinuses, and important organs in the body. COHATs can prevent periodontal disease, a risk factor for liver and kidney disease. It can prevent jaw fractures due to oral disease. This means less time and money treating complications associated with dental disease. The dental X-ray provided in a true COHAT alone can save you repeat visits to the vet for oral health problems.
How can I help my pet maintain good oral hygiene?
The best way to make sure your pet’s teeth remain healthy is by having routine annual exams. Whether you have a puppy or kitten with a mouth full of baby teeth or an adult pet whose teeth need to be checked for plaque, tartar, or dental disease, having a veterinarian examine them is the first step to making sure they’re in good health.
During your pet’s comprehensive physical, your veterinarian will perform a dental health assessment and make recommendations for preventive care. Sometimes this will mean performing good home preventative care, other times, it will mean scheduling an appointment for a dental cleaning or extraction.
Although we recommend brushing your pet’s teeth daily as part of a good preventive care routine, we understand that it’s not always possible. Luckily, there are other ways to maintain your pet’s oral health when you can’t brush their teeth.
- Utilize water additives
- Give your pet a dental chew every other day
- Choose food and treats that control plaque and promote dental health
- Schedule dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian
Call us at (281) 351-7184 to schedule your pet’s oral health assessment or dental cleaning.
