Dental Sealant

[Nichole]

My two are having their dentals done now. The vet talked to me about sealants. They put it on today and then every few weeks I do it. Can't remember all of the details - nervous since both of them are having dentals. I can't even remember the name of the stuff!

 

Any experience?

[GeorgeofNE]

What's the purported purpose of this sealant?

 

The real issue with dog's teeth, as far as I know, is actually gum disease and preventing it. I'd question the value of sealing their teeth since that doesn't do anything about gingivitis.

[Guest ArtysPeople]

I'm with Susan on this one. I (human) had my teeth sealed as a child because I had genetically thin enamel and was getting cavities all the time. It was a professional thing that was done once in the office, and once it started to wear away (and I started getting cavities again) about a decade later, I was told it couldn't be re-done because the risk was too high that they would seal in an area that already had a problem going, which would lead to even worse problems. I can't imagine doing something similar at home, since you'd be so likely to "seal" so much junk in there that you normally wouldn't notice. Unless your dog is having problems with cavities, I wouldn't do it. But that's just me.

[Chicocat]

My vet suggested I use Orajet gel for Cutie after her last dental. She has terrible gingivitis that is very difficult to keep in check. With the Orajet they gave her the first treatment at the time of her dental. The goal is to provide a seal along the gum line to prevent the formation of new tarter.

 

I tried it for a while but, for me at least, found it very difficult to put on well enough to do much good. You have to use gauze or something to dry the teeth so the gel would stay on. The Orajet gel had to be applied once a WEEK.

[Rickiesmom]

I'm with Susan on this one. I (human) had my teeth sealed as a child because I had genetically thin enamel and was getting cavities all the time. It was a professional thing that was done once in the office, and once it started to wear away (and I started getting cavities again) about a decade later, I was told it couldn't be re-done because the risk was too high that they would seal in an area that already had a problem going, which would lead to even worse problems. I can't imagine doing something similar at home, since you'd be so likely to "seal" so much junk in there that you normally wouldn't notice. Unless your dog is having problems with cavities, I wouldn't do it. But that's just me.

The veterinary dental specialist I use said she had seen some pretty bad anaerobic infections come in as a result of sealant sealing something bad in. She does not recommend their use. She does recommend brushing, squirting water between the teeth either with a syringe meant for this sort of thing, or a human, battery operated device like a water pick (which, if you go that route, try to use it outside unless you are way more coordinated than I am.

 

[Batmom]

The Oravet gel that Chicocat is referring to isn't truly a sealant. It makes the surface of the tooth slippery so that bacteria doesn't stick to it. It isn't capable of sealing IN anything. I find that it helps somewhat in lengthening the time between dentals. Not hugely, but some.

 

Don't know if that's what OP's vet is talking about or not.

[macoduck]

If it's Oravet my furkids get it with their dental. I used to continue it at home but they hated the waxy consistency.

If your vet gives you the Oravet brochure with a picture of a bulldog on the cover, inside you'll see my Gracie and Oliver.

 

If your vet offers you the dental vaccine, do not get it. It nearly killed my Gracie.

[greysmom]

Copper had his teeth sealed at his first dental because his teeth are bad overall. I couldn't see that it did any good at all. He has to have cleanings every 8-10 months like clock-work or his breath gets a bit ..... ripe. Don't waste your money on a sealant, is my opinion.

 

greysmom

[Guest houndlover]

I had the Oravet done on Casey almost 4 years ago and I haven't had a dental done on him since then. I put the "sealant" material on weekly for several months and then I ran out of it and never got anymore. I was pretty happy with it. I didn't see any negatives to doing it and I'm sure it has changed a lot in the last 4 years. I'm not sure if I will do it again for him or not. The big reason that I did it was b/c Casey doesn't like to be handled a lot and I knew that I wouldn't be able to brush his teeth everyday so I figured he would at least tolerate me in his mouth once a week, which he did.

 

Hope this helps!

 

If it's Oravet my furkids get it with their dental. I used to continue it at home but they hated the waxy consistency.

If your vet gives you the Oravet brochure with a picture of a bulldog on the cover, inside you'll see my Gracie and Oliver.

 

If your vet offers you the dental vaccine, do not get it. It nearly killed my Gracie.

 

I will have to look in the brochure the next time I am at the vet and I will let her know that I know who those greys are!

[macoduck]

I had the Oravet done on Casey almost 4 years ago and I haven't had a dental done on him since then. I put the "sealant" material on weekly for several months and then I ran out of it and never got anymore. I was pretty happy with it. I didn't see any negatives to doing it and I'm sure it has changed a lot in the last 4 years. I'm not sure if I will do it again for him or not. The big reason that I did it was b/c Casey doesn't like to be handled a lot and I knew that I wouldn't be able to brush his teeth everyday so I figured he would at least tolerate me in his mouth once a week, which he did.

 

Hope this helps!

 

If it's Oravet my furkids get it with their dental. I used to continue it at home but they hated the waxy consistency.

If your vet gives you the Oravet brochure with a picture of a bulldog on the cover, inside you'll see my Gracie and Oliver.

 

If your vet offers you the dental vaccine, do not get it. It nearly killed my Gracie.

 

I will have to look in the brochure the next time I am at the vet and I will let her know that I know who those greys are!

One of the pictures shows me applying the Oravet goo...........but in the picture I put a really thin smear of peanut butter on the applicator. That's why they look so happy.