The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop oral disease by age 3. Left untreated, the condition can cause painful periodontal issues and serious health problems for your four-legged friend. Fortunately, you can protect your pet’s well-being by maintaining their dental health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and our team at Towne Centre Animal Hospital is sharing five dental care tips to improve and maintain your pet’s oral health.
#1: Understand how dental disease affects your pet
Only hours after eating, sticky plaque forms a slimy layer on your pet’s teeth that in a few days hardens into cement-like tartar, trapping bacteria in and around the gumline. As the bacteria invade your pet’s tooth roots, they cause painful periodontal disease, infection, abscesses, and tooth loosening and loss. Further, as the bacteria leach into your pet’s bloodstream, they attack distant organs, such as the heart, which can be life-threatening.
#2: Smell your pet’s breath
Bad breath is a common oral disease sign in dogs. A dog’s breath does not usually smell great. But if your dog’s breath is overwhelming, they may have periodontal disease or decaying teeth.
#3: Lift your pet’s lip often
To help maintain your pet’s oral health, learn to detect dental disease signs. Pets are notorious for hiding their pain and illness and, if you cannot recognize dental disease, your pet can silently suffer. To check out your furry pal’s oral health status, lift their lip every day, and contact our team if you notice any issues. Keep an eye out for the following pet dental disease signs:
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Gum overgrowth or recession
- Brown, yellow, or grey plaque and tartar buildup on teeth
- Bad breath
- Excessive salivation
- Reluctance to chew dry food or hard treats
- Avoiding being groomed or petted on the head
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at one side of the mouth
- Blood-tinged drool
#4: Maintain your pet’s dental health at home
Dental disease prevention starts at home. You should introduce a dental hygiene routine to your pet at an early age, and stick to the routine to reduce their dental disease risk down the road. To maintain your pet’s oral health, follow these tips:
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly — Brush your pet’s teeth daily, or at least a few times per week to help combat plaque accumulation. Do not use toothpaste intended for people because the product contains fluoride, making it unsafe for pets. For brushing your pet’s teeth, use pet-safe toothpaste, which is available in many flavors tempting to pets. Start by letting your pet lick the toothpaste off your finger, and gradually progress to rubbing your finger around their teeth surfaces. Once your pet is comfortable with finger brushing, use a small child-sized toothbrush. Remember to provide your pet with positive reinforcement by giving them praise and a special treat after toothbrushing.
- Give your pet dental chews — Dental chews are great for loosening tartar buildup on teeth. When choosing a dental chew, look for products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance.
- Consider water additives — Water additives should not replace daily toothbrushing, but they are tasteless and odorless, and can freshen your pet’s breath while protecting them against tooth decay.
#5: Schedule regular professional dental exams for your pet
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be examined by your veterinarian annually to look for early dental disease signs. A close dental examination is a crucial part of your pet’s recommended annual wellness exam. A professional dental cleaning may be recommended, along with dental X-rays to show the 60% of dental problems that exist under the gumline and cannot be directly visualized. A complete professional pet teeth cleaning includes:
- Scaling tartar from the tooth surface, above and below the gumline
- Polishing each tooth to remove microscopic etchings created by scaling, where bacteria can adhere
- Probing the gumline for pockets that indicate periodontal disease
- Irrigating below the gumline to flush away bacteria and debris
- Rinsing the mouth with an antimicrobial solution
Prevention is the best oral care strategy for your pet. Contact our Towne Centre Animal Hospital to schedule their wellness examination and dental evaluation or cleaning, or to discuss at-home dental care.