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The importance of dental health -

Good dental health is important not only for your pet’s mouth, but for their overall health. First, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms that may indicate oral health issues.

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Bad breath -

Bad breath is never a good sign. Many of us are familiar with “dog breath,” but this is not actually normal, and it usually indicates an oral health issue.

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Tooth loss -

If your pet loses a tooth or more, then it’s likely that the structures that support the teeth allowed for this to happen. This can happen for a number of reasons, from trauma to infection, but tooth loss is nonetheless a symptom of poor dental health.

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Oral pain -

If your pet shows signs of pain in the mouth, either to the touch, while eating, or anything else, then this is a cause for concern.

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Other signs -

Excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abnormal chewing, and, of course, bleeding may also indicate that your pet has oral health problems.

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How does dental disease develop? -

Dental disease occurs when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth.

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Dental disease can affect overall health -

Bacteria get trapped beneath the gum line and can enter the bloodstream. This can cause a number of problems and affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.

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It starts early in life -

Many dogs and cats get dental issues by the age of three. This is when the owner starts to notice bad breath, tartar buildup, and red/swollen gums.

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Dental disease stages -

Dental disease can be divided into four major stages. The first one is plaque accumulation. A sticky film of bacteria will cover the teeth. Symptoms include bad breath and/or stained teeth.

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Tartar buildup -

The second stage of dental disease is tartar buildup. This is when the plaque hardens and forms tartar. While you won’t be able to remove tartar at home, a vet can do so with the appropriate tools.

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Gum inflammation -

The third stage is gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, tooth loss may occur.

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Gum separation -

Gum separation, or periodontitis, is a severe stage of dental disease. The gums get inflamed and the bacteria enters the animal’s bloodstream, leading to a number of health issues.

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Gum separation -

Gums can separate at this stage. Unfortunately, when this happens the damage is irreversible.

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Other causes of pet dental problems -

There are many other oral health issues that can affect your pet, namely fractured teeth or jaw, mouth cysts or tumors, and palate defects (e.g. cleft palate), among others.

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Age -

There are several factors associated with dental disease, namely the age of your pet. As previously mentioned, symptoms can appear as young as age three, but the older the animal, the more likely they are to suffer from dental disease.

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Breed -

Yes, the breed of your pet also plays a role in how likely they are to have dental problems. Generally speaking, smaller dogs and flat-faced cats, such as Persians, tend to have more misaligned teeth, which may be harder to keep clean and therefore be more susceptible to dental disease.

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Diet -

What your pet eats also plays a role in their oral health. For instance, dry food may help wipe away plaque from your pet’s teeth.

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Dental disease may cause chronic pain -

Sometimes it is not easy to spot signs of pain in animals. Be aware of any signs of irritability or lethargy, as well as loss of appetite. The signs can be subtle.

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X-rays can make a difference -

Image diagnosis methods such as X-rays are really helpful when dealing with animals’ oral health, as many pets don’t show visible signs of dental disease.

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Veterinary dentistry usually requires anesthesia -

Animals can get really stressed in the presence of a vet, and this is particularly true when their mouths are being examined. Not to mention that it’s a lot safer for the vet to treat a sedated animal.

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Home care tips -

In addition to visits to the vet, what can you do at home to ensure your pet’s dental health is being taken care of? You can begin by brushing your pet’s teeth.

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Brushing -

Dogs are generally more permissive to this than cats, but they too can have their teeth brushed. Daily brushing would be ideal, but a few times a week will suffice.

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Brushing -

A fingertip brush can be used, but a regular toothbrush will work just as well. You can find a wide range of tasty toothpastes on the market (yes, they have food flavorings!).

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Oral rinse -

Cat owners who struggle to brush their pets’ teeth may wish to add some oral rinse (one for cats, not for human use) to their water occasionally. This can help kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.

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Dental water additive -

There are similar products for dogs, too, which can be added to their water. These are usually tasteless.

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Dental powder -

You can also add dental powder to your dog’s food. This powder can help prevent tartar and plaque buildup.

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Dental treats -

These can also be given to your pet. Some countries have seals of approval when it comes to dental health products, so see which ones apply to where you live.

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Seal of approval -

For instance, the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval began in the US, but it’s now used in other countries across the world.

Sources: (AVMA) (PetMD) (AAHA) (Cabbagetown Pet Clinic) (Zillmere Vet Surgery) (VOHC) 

See also: How to protect your pets during winter

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