DENTAL CARE 

Preventative Dental Care is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Yet it is just as important for your pet as it is for you. While cavities do occur in both dogs and cats, periodontal (gum) disease is the most common and serious problem. 

Periodontal Disease is caused by build-up of plaque and calculus below the gum line. Plaque, a sticky, colorless, bacteria-laden film forms continuously on teeth. Gums recede as calculus builds up, forming bacteria filled pockets. Left untreated, this will lead to the loss of teeth.

Bacteria infect gum tissue, the roots of teeth, and erode bone that secures teeth. If left untreated, eventually the teeth will fall out. Bacteria are carried throughout the body by a large network of blood vessels near gums and teeth. An accumulation of bacteria can weaken your pet’s resistance to illness.

Warning Signs

Many pets suffer in silence with dental disease. Others show acute pain while eating. Some pets act depressed. Bad breath and drooling are frequent signs of dental disease. Teeth are normally white and smooth. Healthy gums are pink, smooth and adhere tightly to teeth. Diseased gums are thickened, reddened and bleed easily. If any warning sign is present, your pet needs veterinary attention.

Treatment for most pets requires having your veterinarian scale (remove) calculus at and beneath the gumline. Polishing smoothes tooth surfaces to reduce bacteria growth. Your pet’s dental cleaning will begin with a physical examination. This is important to evaluate your pet’s general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an injection; and then gas anesthesia is administered for a safe and painless sleep during the dental procedure. If your pet is 5 years of age or older, preanesthetic blood work will be performed to help detect potentially hidden health problems.

The first part of the dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar with a dental electric scaler. Next, a periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gum line where periodontal disease and bad breath starts.  Your pet’s teeth are then polished, creating a smooth surface.  Some teeth may require extraction if badly infected but that is better than to leave them in the mouth to spread the infection and prolong your pet’s discomfort. Some teeth, which are healthy but not tightly adhered to the bone, will cement down with application of a special calcium polymer bonding.

Home Care, coupled with regular pet dental exams and scaling and polishing as recommended by your veterinarian, will make a significant improvement in your pet’s health, longevity and happiness.

Removing plaque before it hardens is the most important step in preventing periodontal disease. Feeding a proper diet, including some dry or crunchy food, stimulates gums and helps clean exposed tooth surfaces. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly (at least twice a week) reduces plaque and calculus buildup at and beneath the gumline. 

Start slowly by gently handling your pet’s mouth. Massage along the cheek-side of the tooth gumline with your finger. If your pet resists, calmly stroke and reassure him or her. Try again. Make this a comfortable and relaxing time for both you.

When your pet accepts handling of its mouth, wrap cloth or gauze around your index finger to wipe plaque from cheek-side tooth surfaces and gumline. After your pet is used to the cloth gauze, you may add a little special toothpaste available from your veterinarian. Never use human toothpaste. Pets can’t spit it out and it may cause stomach upset. Please be aware of the possibility of you accidentally being bitten with this procedure.

After your pet accepts the cloth or gauze, start brushing with a special soft-bristle pet toothbrush available from your veterinarian. Gently hold the mouth closed with one hand. Lift the lip on one side and brush cheek-side surfaces of teeth and gumline. This is where salivary glands are located and many of the problems occur.

Praise your pet often and give occasional rewards for cooperation. The entire dental care routine should take only a few minutes.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.