Dental Sealants in Dogs & Cats: Why Proper Subgingival Cleaning Matters
Dental care in companion animals has advanced significantly, with tools like dental sealants being used to help protect teeth from plaque and bacteria. However, when applied incorrectly particularly without proper subgingival (below the gumline) cleaning these products can do more harm than good. This applies to both dogs and cats, though cats are especially vulnerable to hidden dental disease. What Is a Dental Sealant? A dental sealant is a protective coating applied to the tooth surface after a professional cleaning. Its purpose is to: Reduce plaque attachment Slow tartar accumulation Extend the benefits of a dental procedure Sealants are not a treatment for existing disease they are a preventative step used after thorough Subgingival cleaning. Why Subgingival Cleaning Is Critical Periodontal disease develops below the gumline , where bacteria accumulate in periodontal pockets. Proper dental care must include: Subgingival scaling (removing plaque and calc...