Look Mom! No Cavities!
Even Dogs and Cats Need Dental Care
You’ve been here: Happy, bouncy little Fluffy manages to land a kiss right on your lips, and… oh my goodness! What did he get into!? Did he find a dead fish? A rotting mammal? Stinky cheese?
Don’t run off in search of puppy Listerine. Fluffy doesn’t need mouthwash. Chances are, what Fluffy needs is dental attention. Offensive breath is only one sign that your pet’s teeth need work. Also note if your pet chews on one side of the mouth, or if food keeps falling from their mouth. Do you see small amounts of blood in the water bowl or on chew toys? Does your cat or dog drool excessively? Do you note facial swelling? Those are all signs of dental disease. And keep an eye out for behavioral changes that may stem from oral issues. If your dog stops playing with a favorite toy, is it because it hurts their mouth? Is your cat suddenly only interested in easy-to-chew soft foods? Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in pets. A national study of almost two million dogs and cats found that nearly eighty percent had some degree of dental disease. Still, problems in the mouth are likely to be overlooked by pet owners and veterinarians.
DOGS VS CATS
Dogs and cats have very different types of dental problems, but both have a high incidence of disease. Dogs can develop periodontal disease or broken teeth from aggressive chewing on hard toys. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, generally starts with the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. If the bacteria-rich plaque isn’t cleaned from the tooth surface, it will harden into tarter, which causes gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum. Eventually, tooth roots become infected and teeth may loosen and fall out. Cats often develop resorptive lesions, which are similar to cavities. These lesions will erode tooth enamel, exposing the nerve root, and creating pain. The underlying cause of resorption is still unknown, but it should be treated by pulling the affected teeth.
I don’t make a habit of kissing my dog’s mouth. So what is the big deal? The effects of dental disease don’t always stop at bad breath. Left untreated, periodontal disease in dogs can progress to far more serious disease with severe and expensive consequences. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart, liver, lung, and kidney disease related to poor oral preventative care and advanced dental disease. So what can you and your veterinarian do to help combat dental disease?
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Many of these dental problems can be prevented by annual veterinary dental exams, a healthy diet, and tooth brushing at home. But don’t reach for the Crest in your medicine cabinet. You can buy veterinary toothpaste and toothbrushes that slide onto the end of your finger through your veterinarian or at a pet store. The finger brush is much softer than ordinary toothbrushes, and makes it easy to manipulate in the tough to reach places without jabbing or irritating sensitive gums. Find a toothpaste that you and Fluffy both agree on. You need to brush at least every few days to see the benefits. The beef and liver flavored pastes send me running for the nearest trashcan. I found a vanilla mint product that does not gag my dog or me.
In addition, ask your veterinarian to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums during your pet’s semiannual examinations. Yearly dental cleaning procedures will help keep the mouth clean and healthy and allow a more in-depth evaluation. Dental X-rays (just like the ones you get every year) can help us recognize problems early and prevent disease progression.
Dry dog food is always better than canned diets for limiting tarter buildup; avoid feeding table scraps. Routine brushing between professional cleanings should reduce incidence of dental disease and the health issues that arise from it.
Although the risk for periodontal disease is high for all species and breeds, prevention is the key to keeping your pet’s oral health in the best condition possible. If you have concerns for your pet’s hygiene or overall health, contact our clinic at 334-821-7739 to schedule an exam and get Fluffy on the right track.
