Category Archives: Dental Care

Dog Hair Care

Posted on by

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog’s hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog’s hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.

When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs – flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog’s coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Mouth Care For Cancer Patients

Posted on by

Daily oral and dental care is essential for all of us, and especially when the mouth area is affected by therapy. Chemotherapy for tumors in any part of the body can affect the mouth, (whereas radiation therapy affects the mouth only when applied directly).

Brushing and Flossing

Natural teeth should be brushed daily (and preferably after each meal, large or small) with a soft-bristle toothbrush. A small amount of toothpaste is useful when brushing; excessive amounts do not make up for inadequate brushing and flossing. Flossing is an effective way to clean between the teeth, but your doctor may decide that it would be too irritating for your gums. Ask his or her advice also about massaging the gums and tongue, another element in mouth care.

Bad breath, gum irritation, pyorrhea, and tooth decay may result from inadequate oral hygiene. Since the effects of tumor therapy can limit the extent of your mouth care, it is very important to take care of this area before the therapy is begun.

Denture Care

Dentures, like natural teeth, should be cleaned at least once a day. Brush inside and out with a denture brush; no toothpaste is necessary. Do this over a sink or bowl containing a few inches of water-if the dentures are dropped, they’re less likely to be damaged. After brushing, soak the dentures in water, or in a commercial denture cleaner if you wish-but remember, soaking does not take the place of thorough brushing. With the dentures removed, vigorously rinse your mouth with water or, again, a commercial mouth rinse. These simple procedures, performed daily, indeed after every meal or snack, will keep your mouth in the best possible health.

Mouth Sores

Some types of therapy, however, cause mouth sores and irritated gums (mucositis), and measures beyond simple hygiene may be needed.

If you have mouth sores, stay away from irritating or spicy foods. Eat a bland, soft diet. Remove your dentures until the sores heal. Rinse four times daily with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution diluted to half strength with water. If you find this solution irritating to your mouth, continue diluting the solution until it no longer has this effect. You may also try a commercial mouthwash (such as Cepacol®). If your gums bleed very easily or are tender, use swabs, Toothettes®, or a damp cloth to clean your teeth and gums. Other non-irritating appliances are also available commercially.

Dry Mouth

If dry mouth is a problem, your doctor may suggest an artificial “saliva” (such as Zero-lube®, or Saliva-aid®) but these products are not always successful. Another solution may be a saliva stimulant (such as Pilocarpine®). A simple and often effective remedy for dry-mouth is frequent rinses with water and sucking on ice chips. Sugarless tart candies or chewing gum may also help. The problem should not be ignored; keeping your mouth moist is essential both to oral health and to comfort.