Healthy Teeth
Proper dental care helps prevent bad breath and serious disease

One of the most overlooked aspects of preventive health maintenance is dental care.  Problems with teeth can affect the overall health of pets.

Cavities are not common in dogs and cats, but periodontal disease is a frequent problem. Periodontal refers to the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. Studies show that 80% of dogs by age three and 70% of cats by age three show some signs of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

          Gum disease starts as bacterial growth on the surface of the tooth and the tissues around the teeth. The bacteria produce toxins that injure the tissue. As gum disease progresses, bacteria enter deeper into the soft tissue and destruction of the connective tissue begins.

          From here, the disease can progress to red and swollen gums, a calculus forming under the gum line, loosening of the tooth, and painful teeth. This gingival infection results in a discharge of debris, organisms, and toxins into the bloodstream, possibly creating infections in the liver, heart and kidneys. These infections may result in fatal disease processes.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

          Reluctance to eat, yellow-brown crust of tarter around the gum line, odor from the mouth, red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, loss of energy and less of a desire to play are a few of the signs that may point to dental or gum disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, your pet’s teeth should be examined.

What happens when my pet’s teeth are professionally cleaned?

          As regular preventive care, and of course, to treat dental or gum disease, your pet’s teeth should be professionally cleaned.

          Removal of tartar requires sedation (because of this, please don’t feed your pet after 9 p.m. the night before bringing him in for dentistry). Your pet’s teeth are scraped to remove plaque and tartar – above and below the gum line. Next, your pet’s teeth are polished to create a smooth surface. A fluoride treatment is applied.

       A long-acting antibiotic injection is given to protect the body from bacteria that is disrupted from along the gum line. Extracting damaged and loose teeth is important if the gum disease is advanced.

          Because your pet’s mouth may be slightly sore after a dental cleaning, we recommend that you feed softened food (adding warm water to his regular dry food is fine) for 24 hours following cleaning.

          Pet’s needs for professional cleaning vary. The veterinarian can assess your pet’s dental health at his annual exam. Most pets need dental cleaning every one to three years.

What can I do at home?

          Basic recommendations for at-home care of most pet’s teeth include:

é      Feed dry food only. The mechanical action of dry food tends to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. “t/d” made by Science Diet is a good choice as a regular diet or to use as a treat.

é      Choose toys and treats that will help clean the teeth. These include rope toys; hard nylon chew toys; wide, flat rawhide strips; and hard biscuits. Cow hooves and pig ears are not recommended.

é      Avoid feeding table scraps to dogs and cats.

é      Don’t forget your pet’s annual veterinary check-up – his teeth and mouth are examined at this time.

é      Dental rinses can be used daily to control plaque and bacteria.

é      Brushing your pet’s teeth twice weekly with a “finger toothbrush” or soft pet toothbrush is very helpful.

How can I begin dental care at home?

          Starting dental care early with puppies and kittens is ideal. However, most pets can be trained to accept teeth cleaning – this process may take several weeks. Dip a washcloth in beef or chicken bouillon. Rub this over the pet’s teeth and mouth. Make initial sessions short and positive. Gradually introduce a soft pet or finger toothbrush and toothpaste. Gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset your pet’s stomach.