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When we consider that more than 85% of our pets will have some sort of dental disease before the time that they are three years old, this should really cause pet parents ears to perk up. Dental disease, along with obesity in our pets, is far too common! If you have a small or toy breed, like Yorkies and Chihuahuas, your furry friend may have bone loss as early as 1 year of age! Short faced dogs, like Bostons, Pugs, and Bulldogs of all sorts are also at higher risk for this preventable issue.
Cat owners: Your feline friends are not exempt! Many cats are prone to dental disease, cervical line lesions (neck lesions), and even painful tooth fractures.
Now, before you stop reading because you have been told that our pets don't need dental care because "wild animals don't brush their teeth, consider this. Scientists have found evidence of dental disease in dogs from ancient Rome, and as you can see from this picture of a modern leopard to the left, there are several broken and worn teeth.
Even if your pet appears to have a healthy mouth, there is still a good chance that dental disease exists. Veterinary Dentists state that dental x-rays will find pathology in 28% of dogs and 42% of cats with mouths that appear absolutely normal during routine oral examination. This makes sense as 60% of the tooth lies below the gumline. Since our pets can’t talk to us to tell us where the pain is, these x-rays will help the veterinarian see where issues might be occurring.
Beyond periodontal disease, fractured teeth and mal-aligned teeth are common in dogs. Cats commonly have a condition called Neck Lesions that actually destroys tooth enamel (see link above)
More importantly, bad teeth and dental disease can impact your pet’s overall health. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines state: "Although evidence demonstrating the direct correlation between systemic disease and oral and dental infections may be difficult to prove, the positive impact on patient quality of life is
often clinically demonstrated and widely experienced."
Good oral exams and routine dental cleanings are an essential part of your pet’s wellness care. In addition, providing your pet with some sort of at-home care is important to get their mouth as healthy as possible. BAD BREATH IS NOT NORMAL!!
A cleaning at your veterinarian’s office will involve anesthesia. There is no way to effectively clean or examine all areas of the pet’s mouth unless they are under a general anesthetic. Beware of services offering to provide “non-anesthetic pet dental cleanings." These services make the teeth look better but do nothing to help with the overall health of the mouth.
Just like your regular cleaning at your dentist, the veterinary nurses will take X-rays, probe all of the teeth looking for areas of concern and chart any other pathology or issues. Then, the teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaling and hand scalers, root planing can be done, and the teeth are polished with an abrasive to help remove microscopic divots and defects. After all of this, a fluoride treatment and/or barrier sealant will be applied to help prolong the health of the teeth
At-home care can be done by brushing your pet’s teeth (use a soft bristle toothbrush and pet dentrifrice, not human toothpaste) daily. Other options include various dental diets, specific dental chews or even water additives or rinses.
Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal on pet dental products. This organization helps provide an objective overview about how well the product may work to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation.
And, as always, talk to and trust your veterinarian and the veterinary staff when it comes to your pet's dental health and overall care. There's simply no substitute for the relationship you have with your pet's doctor! What are YOU doing to make sure your pet's teeth stay healthy?? Let us know in the comments or ask questions!
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