UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLETE DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS

摘要

Periodontal disease could be considered the most common health problem seen in small animal practice today. Statistics indicate that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have some form of dental disease by the age of three, with plaque buildup being the underlying cause. The term prophylaxis originates from ancient Greek and means to guard or prevent. It applies to any medical term or public health procedure whose purpose is to prevent rather than to treat or cure disease. However, when used in the veterinary dentistry context, it has become a "catchall" term for teeth cleanings and most periodontal care.