Here's a statistic you may find shocking: Veterinary
experts
estimate that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that do not
receive proper dental care will show signs of dental disease by
the age of 3. Dental care is a very important but often overlooked
aspect of your pet's overall health and well-being.
Dental disease can cause serious health problems in dogs and
cats-ranging from tooth loss to systemic illness. That's why
it's
important to make sure your pet gets regular dental checkups
and that you pay attention to her dental care at home, too.
Why Is Dental Care So Important?
Without proper dental care, many pets will, at the least, suffer
from bad breath, inflamed or bleeding gums, missing, loose, or
broken teeth, and all the discomfort that such problems can cause.
At worst, dental problems can contribute to systemic disease and
even organ damage.
In addition, many dental problems, such as broken or abscessed
teeth, can be extremely painful. Broken teeth are a common problem
in dogs that like to chew on hard objects (so make sure your dog
has plenty of appropriate chew toys), and dental disease in
particular is a common cause of weight loss in older cats.
When Should I Start Worrying About My Pet's
Teeth?
Just as in children, proper dental care should begin
when your pet is a puppy or kitten. Your pet should have an annual
dental examination and cleaning performed by your veterinarian, who
will thoroughly evaluate your pet's entire mouth as well as her
face, head, and lymph nodes. The exam will be followed by a
professional cleaning to remove plaque, stains, and tartar both
above and below the gumline. Your veterinarian will also remove
the
bacteria that can cause gum disease and take an x-ray of your
pet's teeth to check for potential problems.
In order for your veterinarian to perform a proper dental
examination and cleaning and to visualize all of your pet's
teeth-even those in the back of the mouth-your pet will need to be
anesthetized. While there is always a slight risk whenever
anesthesia is used, today's anesthetic agents are extremely
safe. To enhance safety, your veterinarian will recommend relevant
preanesthetic testing for your pet to make sure there are no
hidden
health problems that could be affected by the anesthesia.
Dental Care at Home
In between your pet's
examinations and professional cleanings, you should follow your
veterinarian's advice regarding home dental care for your pet,
including daily teeth brushing and special dental care diets and
treats. From the time your pet is young, you should begin getting
her gradually accustomed to having her mouth opened, her teeth
touched, and her gums massaged.
Ask your veterinarian for advice on the best way to brush your
pet's teeth, but generally you can start by touching one tooth
a day and gradually increasing the number over a period of days,
weeks, or even months. Once your pet becomes used to having
something
in her mouth, you can start brushing her teeth with a special pet
toothbrush. (Be sure to use pet toothpaste only. Human toothpaste
can be upsetting to pets' stomachs.) If your pet seems afraid
of the toothbrush, try using a small piece of gauze wrapped around
your
finger to start. If your pet becomes agitated or will otherwise not
allow you to touch her mouth or teeth, do not risk being bitten.
Contact your veterinarian for advice. You may simply need
to schedule your pet for more frequent dental examinations and
professional cleanings.
The Bottom Line
Oral disease is one of the biggest health
problems diagnosed in dogs and cats today, so it is essential for
owners to provide pets with good dental care, both professionally
and at home. The fact is that your furry friend will live longer
and be healthier if her teeth
are properly cared for at all stages of life.
SIGNS OF DENTAL PROBLEMS
• Drooling
• Red or bleeding gums
• Stained teeth
• Loose or missing teeth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty eating
Pet Care
