Ora-Clensâ„¢

GENERIC NAME:

Oral hygiene rinse

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Your veterinarian has prescribed an Oral hygiene rinse for at-home use in order to prevent or delay the formation of dental plaque and calculus on your pet’s teeth and to give your pet fresh smelling breath. Use Oral hygiene rinse on days you are not able to brush your pet’s teeth. Veterinarians often send home an Oral hygiene rinse product with patients immediately following dental procedures in order to prolong the effects of the teeth cleaning. Some products are meant as a rinse only while others may also be used with a toothbrush. Oral hygiene rinses are available in several sizes of spray bottles.

WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT?

• There are a wide range of ingredients found in these products: alcohol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, zinc (acetate or gluconate), etc.
• Oral hygiene rinses are sold without a prescription (OTC/over the counter) but should be used under the direction of your veterinarian who can advise you on a complete oral hygiene program for your pet
• Used on the teeth and gums (large amounts are not meant to be swallowed by your pet)
• Offered in spray bottles

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• To reduce plaque and calculus formation
• To reduce bad breath
• May give temporary relief of minor gum irritation

Using an Oral hygiene rinse is an important part of good oral hygiene for your pet. Effective oral hygiene can prevent the development or progression of periodontal disease and maintain good gingival health in your pet.

Within hours of a professional dental cleaning, plaque, an invisible bacterial slime, will form on the tooth surfaces. Daily brushing of the teeth with a soft-bristled nylon toothbrush will help remove this plaque and also massage the gingiva, improving the gingival health of your pet. On days that brushing is not possible, rinsing the teeth and gums with an Oral hygiene rinse can be beneficial.

After each meal, gently expose the teeth and gums by elevating the upper lip. Holding the bottle in an upright position and below your pet’s field of vision, squeeze a gentle stream of rinse and completely cover the entire oral cavity. Gentle massage over the teeth can help move the rinse around and dislodge food and bacteria.

Be careful to not touch the gum with the nozzle which could easily injure the gum of a wiggly pet.

If the product you have purchased is suitable also for tooth brushing, place a small amount in a clean dish or cup. Dip the brush into the solution and while holding the animal’s head steady carefully gently brush the teeth, re-wetting the brush in the solution as necessary.

Be sure to praise your dog to increase her compliance with this care. By making the teeth cleaning procedure a happy event, your pet will request this attention and not let you skip a day!

WHAT ANIMALS SHOULD NOT USE THIS PRODUCT?

• In order to not do any harm to your pet, home care products should only be used on pet’s who have received (and passed!) a thorough oral examination
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any ingredients in this product

WHAT IF A TREATMENT IS MISSED?

If a treatment is missed, perform it as soon as you can. If it is already time for the next treatment, skip the missed treatment and go back to the normal schedule.

STORAGE AND WARNINGS:

Store at controlled room temperature.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and animals. May be harmful if swallowed.
Potential side effects:

There have been reports of prolonged use of chlorhexidine staining tooth surfaces. This can be avoided by applying the solution with a toothbrush.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian

OVERDOSING?

Do not allow your pet to swallow large amounts of this product.

WHAT TO TELL/ASK A VETERINARIAN BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your animal need to be rechecked
• What tests or procedures may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your animal has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your animal has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your animal or plan to give your animal, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your animal's medicines can be given together.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Remember, home care is not a substitute for regular professional examinations and treatment, just as it isn’t enough for the human dental patient. Regular professional exams and treatments are still important to the overall health of your pet.

As with all prescribed medications, this product should only be used on the animal for which it was prescribed.