VETERINARY PRACTICE GUIDELINES 21


2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*


ABSTRACT V


Steven E. Holmstrom, DVM, DAVDC Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP Stephen Juriga, DVM, DAVDC Kate Knutson, DVM Brook A. Niemiec, DVM, DAVDC Jeanne Perrone, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)


From the Animal Dental Clinic, San Carlos, CA (S.H.); All Pets Dental Clinic, Weston, FL (J.B.); Veterinary Dental Center, River Heights Veterinary Hospital, Oswego, IL (S.J.); Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, Bloomington, MN (K.K.); California Veterinary Dental Specialties, San Diego, CA (B.N.); and Tampa Bay Veterinary Dentistry, Largo, FL (J.P.).


Correspondence: Toothvet@sbcglobal.net (S.H.) Trends magazine, April 2013


*This document is intended as a guideline only. Evidence-based support for specific recommendations has been cited whenever possible and appropriate. Other recommendations are based on practical clinical experience and a consensus of expert opinion. Further research is needed to document some of these recommendations. Because each case is different, veterinarians must base their decisions and actions on the best available scientific evidence, in conjunction with their own expertise, knowledge, and experience. These guidelines are supported by generous educational grants from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merial, Ltd., Virbac Animal Health, and PDx BioTech, and are endorsed by the American Veterinary Dental College.


eterinary dentistry is con- stantly progressing. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the practice of companion


animal dentistry for the veterinary pro- fession. Dental care is necessary to pro- vide optimum health and optimize qual- ity of life. Untreated diseases of the oral cavity are painful and can contribute to local and systemic diseases. This article includes guidelines for preventive oral health care, client communication, evalu- ation, dental cleaning, and treatment. In addition, materials and equipment neces- sary to perform a medically appropriate procedure are described. (J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2013; 49:75– 82. DOI 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-4013)


Introduction Veterinary medical dental care is an


essential component of a preventive health care plan. Quality dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. If left untreated, dis- eases of the oral cavity are painful and can contribute to other local or systemic diseases.1,2


The purpose of this document


is to provide guidelines for the practice of companion animal dentistry. A list of definitions to enhance the understanding of this article is provided in Table 1.


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