Title: Explain dental care for animals.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Performing Clinical Exams

Explanation should include

- the anatomy of the tooth, including the differences among a feline, canine, and equine tooth
- differences in prehension, mastication, and swallowing among species (e.g., carnivores crush, herbivores grind in a circular motion)
- the importance of dental care in animals
- signs of poor oral health
- evidence-based veterinary recommendations for home dental care.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What problems could poor oral health in animals cause? Why?
- What are signs of dental disease?
- What might clients describe during an exam that would be associated with periodontal disease?
- Why should antlers, hooves, and similar products be avoided?
- How do the teeth of carnivores differ from herbivores?
- Why should clients avoid the use of human dentifrices when caring for their pets’ teeth?
- Why is anesthesia essential for dental prophylaxis?