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Caring for your dog’s teeth

It may come as a surprise to learn that dogs, like humans, have both baby and adult teeth. Most dogs, unlike humans, have all of their adult teeth by the time they are seven months old, so it’s time to start looking after their dental health when they are still puppies.

While dogs generally don’t develop cavities, periodontal disease is the one of the most common diseases affecting dogs. Periodontal disease starts when the bacteria in your pet’s mouth form plaque. The plaque can harden into tartar, and, if plaque and tartar spread under the gum line, can be responsible for a number of serious problems. Veterinarians warn that tooth loss, tissue damage, bone loss and infection can be the result of periodontal disease. Professional dental treatment is important if your dog is suffering from periodontal disease, and your vet can describe the options available to you. But the time to act is before disease develops. Let’s bone up on some preventative care!

Brushing

There are brushes and toothpastes designed especially for your dog. Train your puppy from an early age to open his mouth to allow you to examine his teeth and gums. (This will also come in handy if you ever need to give him medicine.) Most dogs will accept brushing, and toothpastes come in dog-friendly flavors. Human toothpaste should never be used because it contains cleaners and abrasives that should not be swallowed by your pet. There are also dental wipes available that can be used once and thrown away. Your vet can advise you how to ease your pet into a brushing routine.

Gels and Rinses

Whether you rub an antiseptic gel on your dog’s teeth or squirt an antiseptic rinse into his mouth, these formulas can reduce the build-up of plaque. Not all dogs take to the taste of these solutions, but in general they are safe and effective. Ask your vet for recommendations if you would like to try this method.

Diet

Several dietary products offer anti-plaque ingredients or a kibble shape designed to reduce the formation of plaque. Talk to your vet for the best possible diet and nutrition suggestions for your unique pet.

Chew Toys

Chewing can help reduce plaque build-up if done consistently, and chew toys should be chosen for tooth and digestive safety. Some animal-based products and hard plastic toys are so rigid that they can cause damage to teeth or gums, so be sure to look for safe toys.  Dogs shouldn’t be left alone with toys due to choking or swallowing hazards—if the chew toy becomes small enough to cause choking, or your dog is swallowing large chunks that might not be digestible, time to replace it.

Your veterinarian is the best resource for maintaining your dog’s health and developing a dental routine both you and your pet can live with. When your four-legged friend goes for his next check-up, ask your vet what you can do to keep him and his smile fetching for a long, long time.

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The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Simply select a location below, then choose the time and day that works best with your schedule.

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Patient Testimonials

We Love Making People Smile

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience with us!

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I went for my consult today and loved every minute. The staff was so nice and special shout out to Karen, the treatment coordinator, whom I absolutely ADORE! She’s very thorough with all... the information she provides and answers any and all questions. Would so far definitely recommended them!read more
Heavon J.
I love all the Ladies at the Harrisburg Office. I am going to miss seeing them when my son Zachary's braces come off. Would definitely recommend.
Gypsy C.
Great customer service great experience on today she made my son Son feel at ease
Dorothy B.
I enjoyed my visit for the very first time the staff made me feel comfortable from the time I walked in. Everything was just great about the office. I highly recommend.!
Shacoria C.
We had a great experience! Dr Matt is very friendly and thorough and great with kids!
Lori B.
Matt is a great provider. His team works hard and are very kind/polite. My daughter felt very comfortable in their care. I highly recommend this practice.
Danielle D.
Very clean, safe, friendly and dedicated staff! I’m excited to get serviced by staff!
Jaz
I want to say I visited a Orthodontist today named Zammitti &Gidaly in DavidsonWelcoming and professionalism.Thank you Dr.Gidaly and Karen for your great smiles that meet us this... morning!!!!Excellence in what they do!!!Rev.Jettonread more
Etheleen J.
We had a great visit and consultation. Dr. Gilday helped us understand where we are right now, gave us a timeline for orthodontic needs, and answered all our questions.
Casey V.
Everyone was so nice and explained in great detail what my son needed . It didn't feel like a sales pitch, it was in the best interest of my son and our concerns. Looking forward to them... helping my son be more comfortable and confident.read more
Steph
Lovely facility, amazing staff and outstanding customer service/ expertise. So glad we found this office !
Chamasha T.
The staff was beyond helpful and kind. Dr. G was patient and very knowledgeable. Great experience!
Katie R.
Amazing experience. Everyone is kind and professional at this location. Karen is a true sweetheart. Dr. Gidaly is straightforward & professional. You will not be disappointed!!!
Keana C.
WOW! Just WOW! Absolutely detest dental work due to previous experiences at a dentist's offices being so traumatic & the judgement I feel at the practices I've been a patient at. Not to... mention, the use of what I feel are scare tactics or at least come across that way. Therefore, I was definitely nervous about my initial ortho consultation with Dr. Zammitti...dreading the possibility of hearing all the things that are wrong & ugly about my teeth along with the pressure of having to have everything "fixed". My experience couldn't have been any further from that. I couldn't have asked for a better experience from the moment I walked in & met my treatment coordinator to the moment I left & everything in between. My treatment coordinator respected my "dental anxiety" & couldn't have done her job any better. Dr. Zammitti is hilarious to me, I'm not sure why but I find him very funny....and BRILLIANT! Like super BRILLIANT! He actually sat down at a desk with me to talk!!!! He explained things in normal human language that made sense. He didn't try to boast how intelligent he is or the endless list of credentials by throwing out tons of medical terminology that could be intimidating & cause someone to become overwhelmed. I didn't feel judged or criticized. I felt like his approach was more of "this is what I can do to make your smile perfect" rather than "you need to do this or all these bad things are going to happen". Everything was clear & I felt like I had a choice. My treatment coordinator explained the financials, which also made me feel like I had options. Because of my initial experience,I chose to follow Dr. Zammitti's suggestions toget braces. Dr. Zammitti & the assistant, Nathalie,were both very gentle putting braces on...BUT they also worked quickly which was crucial for me....yet I felt like if I had needed a break at any point,they would have been completely fine with it.l & wouldn't have grown impatient. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this practice!!!! If you want your smile to be as flawlessas possible ....GO HERE!!!read more
Kelly L.
We had a great experience with Dr. Gidaly. He is kind and patient, never forceful in his approach. My daughter was a little nervous about starting orthodontic treatment, but Dr. Gidaly... made her feel completely at ease from the first visit.read more
Matt K.
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    Davidson, NC 28036
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    Harrisburg, NC 28075
Concord, NC
Davidson, NC
Harrisburg, NC
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