February is National Pet Dental Health Month

We have always been told how important our teeth and oral health are.  The same goes for our four legged friends as well.  February is national pet dental health month, and just like humans, their teeth require regular check-ups and cleaning.

According to AVDC (American veterinary dental college) periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats.  By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. If left untreated, the gums become red, inflamed and sore.  It can progress to loss of gum tissue, bone around the tooth, possible fistula into the nasal cavity causing nasal discharge and respiratory issues, abscessed teeth, weakening of the jaw, bone infections and fractures.  The plaque will also leach bacteria into the gums, then into the blood stream causing possible kidney, liver and heart issues.  The ultimate goal for good oral health for your pet is to extend life expectancy, increase quality of life and reduce pain.

To know if your pet has dental disease, or requires a dental cleaning, it is important to have your veterinarian look at his/her teeth and mouth and do an oral exam.  This is typically done during their annual exam.  For those pets that don’t get to see a vet on a regular basis, here are a few symptoms to look for.

  • Look at their teeth if they will let you. You will see discoloration, tartar and plaque build-up, particularly on their molars
  • Bleeding or red gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Drooling (though could be a sign of many other issues as well, including emergency situations)
  • Bumps or lumps in the mouth
  • Bloody or ropey saliva
  • Not wanting the head touched (head shyness)
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth or problems picking up food
  • Sneezing or nasal discharge (advanced gum disease in the upper teeth can destroy the bone between the nasal and oral cavity)
  • Sometimes a lump on their cheek or lower jaw may indicate a tooth root absess

If you see any of these, please call your vet for a physical to rule out other issues and assess their mouth. Below is a look at different grades of dental disease, before and after a dental cleaning

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There is a lot of things that can cause dental issues.  Here is a list of a few

  • Breed predisposition
  • Certain chews and toys – deer antlers are very bad and will cause extremely painful slab fractures (see picture below
  • Age
  • Diet and chewing behaviour-dry food does not necessarily help prevent dental disease, and moiset food does not necessarily contribute to it either
  • Home care
  • Health conditions

slab fracture

 

Best way to have a healthy mouth

  • Brush on a daily basis if possible using a pet friendly toothpaste.  See this link for videos on how to brush cats and dogs teeth,
  • Choose a dental diet made for the teeth such as Royal Canin Dental or T/D by Science Diet
  • Appropriate toys – avoid tennis balls as they are too abrasive, soft plush toys are better, and NO DEER ANTLERS
  • Choose dental chews – CET chews and others like them have additives to reduce tartar
  • Listen to your vet and do dental cleanings when recommended
  • Avoid sugary treats – who doesn’t love a timbit once in a while
  • Water additives – Healthy mouth is one I use, but there are others such as Aquadent

Dental cleanings by law can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian, or under their direction.  An anesthetic free dental cleaning does nothing except cause money and mask the real issues which are hidden under the gum line, plus it is illegal in Ontario.  Your veterinarian will likely recommend some blood work prior to the dental to be sure your pet can metabolize and remove the anesthetic from their system with no ill effects.  Intravenous fluids is important at keeping a steady blood pressure and allowing for immediate vein access during surgery.  A scaling of all the surfaces will insure that no plaque is left behind under the gum line, between teeth or on the inside surfaces which are very hard to see and get to when pets are awake.  The technician or veterinarian can assess all of the teeth for concerns, possibly taking dental x-rays and then decide whether any teeth need extraction.  While your pocket book may lighter after your pets dental, they will be happier, healthier, and more comfortable and that is worth the cost.  Be sure to follow your vet’s home instructions and administer any medications they prescribe, even if you feel your pet is not in discomfort.  Animals are pre-programmed to hide pain.  My Norris had a broken tooth that was painful, but I didn’t know until he went in for his routine cleaning.  He also at one time had a broken jaw, but you would never have known it if it wasn’t for an x-ray. dental xray cat

If you have any concerns at all, your vet and their team are there to help.

Your pets smile (and well-being) is important, and who doesn’t want them kissable fresh!

Dog show in Morro Bay, 10 May 2009.  Best of Bay Pooch Pageanthappy freckled girl and funny red cat outdoors