Pet Dental Care
Dental care is an important part of taking care of your pet's health. The leading causes of bad breath in dogs and cats are tooth decay or mouth infections that can cause pain. Diseased teeth and infected gums can produce a very foul odor. Gingivitis and periodontal disease symptoms include bad breath, difficulty chewing or eating, swollen gums that may bleed, drooling, brownish-yellow calculus (tartar), receding gums, loose, or missing teeth.
Dental disease requires special care before, during, and after the time the problem is resolved. It is diagnosed by a veterinarian only after a complete exam is performed. A veterinarian must make this diagnosis because some diseases can mimic the symptoms of dental disease but have different causes and treatments.
Dental disease can spread to other organs of the body, causing serious and dangerous illnesses to your pet. Diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, or gastrointestinal problems can cause a change in breath and a sore mouth may cause increased drooling. Dogs and cats have a tendency towards developing gingivitis (gum disease) as they age. However, gingivitis has been diagnosed in young pets. If gingivitis is left untreated the inflammation moves into the root of the tooth (periodontal disease) and can cause pain and tooth loss. Eventually, bacteria from this infection enter into the bloodstream and can cause serious disease to heart valves, liver, and kidneys. Your pet might be lethargic, cough, have breathing difficulty, or have a general appearance of poor health.
The most common symptom of dog or cat dental disease is bad breath (halitosis). You may notice inflamed gums (gingivitis), tartar, difficulty chewing or pain when chewing, poor appetite, and weight loss. Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease (irritation and inflammation of the gum area. Plaque is an invisible accumulation of bacteria that forms on teeth. As the plaque on the teeth continues to accumulate, it eventually mineralizes and hardens to form tartar, which can be observed on the tooth surface.
Brushing your dog or cat's teeth does the best job of cleaning the important area below the gum line, where bacteria and plaque hide and can rot away the gums and bone. Veterinarians recommend home dental care which involves brushing your pet's teeth every day. Regular preventive dental care will keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy and protect your pet's long-term health.
Dental Care Products
Tartar control biscuits, bones, food, chews, or a rope toy can help to reduce tartar buildup above the gum line, but only regular brushing can reach the critical areas below the gum line. Never use human toothpaste for pets - use a toothpaste made specifically for pets, because human toothpaste contains fluoride and detergents that are not meant to be swallowed. Buy an enzymatic toothpaste because the enzymes break down food and bacteria. Pet toothpaste flavors include poultry, fish, meat, mint, ginger, and more.
Dental health chew toys with catnip are sold for cats. Dry dog or cat food helps keep the plaque level down. It helps in the area that's visible, but not in the important area just below the gum line.
A toothbrush or finger brush can reach about 90% of the areas that need to be brushed. Always use specially formulated pet toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste. Because pets can't rinse and spit after brushing, the toothpaste must be safe for pets to swallow. Some human toothpaste contains detergents that can irritate pets' stomachs, and large quantities of ingested fluoride can harm pets. There are many pet toothpaste flavors such as chicken (poultry), peanut butter, seafood, and beef. You can buy pet toothpaste at the pet store or from your veterinarian.
Most pet dental kits contain a special ergonomic soft bristle brush, or finger toothbrush, and special pet toothpaste. If using a human toothbrush, pick a soft nylon bristle. For a smaller dog, a soft child-sized brush works well.
Finger brushes fit on a fingertip and allow owners easier access to their pet's mouth, because they are very gentle and feel good on your pet's gums as they massage gums, and increase circulation. They sweep away plaque and food debris. Slide the molded rubber finger toothbrush over your index finger and apply a small dab of dog or cat toothpaste onto the bristles. Slip your finger inside your pet's cheek and using a small circular motion, brush the teeth, and gum line.
Electric toothbrushes can be used if your dog or cat can tolerate the mechanical noise. Start slowly and make tooth brushing enjoyable. It may take several sessions to gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.
Brush Your Pet's Teeth in 5 Easy Steps
1. Select a quiet convenient time when you and your pet are both relaxed and comfortable.
2. Sit in a position where you have your pet on your lap and your pet is laying on his side. With your finger begin gently stroking the outside of his cheeks and then proceed to the inside of his cheeks. For these first few sessions don't use a pet toothbrush. After he becomes comfortable with your finger in his mouth, place a dab of pet toothpaste on your finger and let him taste it.
3. First, wet the toothbrush with water. Introduce the toothbrush by placing a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. In a slow circular motion, brush 1 or 2 front teeth, and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your pet accustomed to the feel of the brush.
4. Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the back teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently and stop before your pet begins to fuss. If he dislikes the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then brushing is going to get harder, not easier.
5. Build up to about 30 seconds on each side (upper and lower teeth) for a total of 2 minutes. Dogs and cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces. Be sure to brush the big teeth way in the back. Stop each session while it is still fun and lavishly praise your dog or cat afterward. He will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you. You can use positive reinforcement clicker training.
Look for abscessed teeth and other dental problems while you're brushing, and have a veterinarian properly treat any such problems such as gingivitis or periodontal (gum) disease.
Fractures
Tooth fractures can lead to infection inside the tooth (called endodontic disease). Dogs can break their teeth surprisingly easily, just from crunching down on hard rocks, cow hoove dog chews, and other tough substances.
Many dogs are inclined to chew on hard things to exercise their gums. But the teeth used to chew are extremely vulnerable to fracture. Dogs chew in an up and down motion, which causes the object to slide off to the side of the tooth and may break it. This exposes the pulp tissue inside the tooth and requires a veterinarian's attention.
Cats can fracture teeth caused by trauma or by chewing on hard objects. The canines (the long teeth in front) are the most commonly fractured teeth. Doing nothing about a fractured tooth leaves a painful tooth and a possible avenue of infection. Extraction is usually necessary for fractured teeth in dogs and cats.
Oral Cancer
Animals 8 years and older (less frequently young animals) can develop oral cancer. The third most common site for cancer is in the oral cavity. In young animals, problems can involve tumors that affect the teeth directly. Odontomas are tumors that evolve from the tooth bud and fortunately are benign, and if properly excised by a specialist veterinary dentist will not return. If left in the mouth, they can grow and become locally damaging. Occasional checking of your pet's mouth and comparing your pet's teeth will help detect this tumor in its early stages and allow for timely removal by a veterinary dentist.
Unfortunately, most oral cancers are malignant, which means they will not only grow locally but also can often spread or metastasize to other locations. Early detection offers the possibility of complete recovery. However, if the tumor has been present for a longer time and has aggressively invaded surrounding tissue, the oral surgeon often can only be palliative in his approach, by easing pain with medications.
Professional Veterinarian Cleanings (The Dental)
Professional dental cleaning is often indicated when periodontal disease is present. Sometimes veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics and require blood work before the dental. The cleaning, which takes place under general anesthesia consists of scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line; polishing to smooth the surface of the teeth; and flushing to dislodge tartar and bacteria. If any loose teeth are found during the process, they will be extracted.
Thanks to advancements in recent years, anesthesia risks have lowered greatly. A tube will be placed into the trachea to allow breathing. This tube has an inflatable cuff on it that keeps the water needed for flushing during the procedure from going into the lungs. After the tube is in place, the veterinarian will begin scraping the tartar and plaque off with dental instruments.
Next, the veterinarian will often use a stain to make sure all the plaque is removed. Finally, an abrasive dental paste will be applied with a machine that has a rotating head. This paste polishes the teeth and will smooth scratches so plaque won't have as many places to adhere to.
It is the usual procedure to send the pet home that day with instructions for follow-up and preventative care given to the owner. Preventative care includes a small soft toothbrush, oral paste or gel, and often an antibacterial rinse. If the infection was really severe, oral antibiotics will be given to you for your pet to take.
Your veterinarian can advise how frequently your dog or cat requires a dental and set up an appropriate schedule. The charges consist of the time and skill involved, and the cost of anesthesia which is based on weight. If your pet's teeth have not received regular care, and need extra treatment including extractions, the cost may be more. Schedule other care that may require anesthesia at the same time.