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Dental disease (also known as periodontal disease) refers to infection and inflammation that develops in the mouth as a result of plaque and tartar buildup. Dental disease is the most common illness that affects dogs and cats, plaguing 80% of all dogs and 70% of all cats over the age of three. When left untreated, this prevalent disease leads to serious health concerns for your pet, with significant pain and discomfort being among the most common side effects. The infection associated with dental disease leads to erosion in the mouth, exposing sensitive tissues such as nerve endings, making it extremely uncomfortable for our pets to eat and use their mouths for important activities such as play.
Taking care of your pets teeth at home is the first step to protecting them from the uncomfortable ramifications of dental disease!
In this article we highlight the pillars of quality at-home dental care and walk you through the best ways to keep your pet's mouth healthy!
Monitor Your Pet For Signs + Symptoms of Dental Disease
Understanding the signs associated with dental disease will allow you to act fast should you notice an issue with your pet's oral health. Quick intervention will protect your pet from experiencing significant pain associated with late stage dental disease. Outlined below are the most common symptoms of dental disease:
Dropping food
Refusal to eat
Excessive drooling
Foul odor / bad breath
Discoloration of teeth, usually gray/brown in color
Inflamed, red gums
Resistant to having their face touched
Swelling around the mouth
Swelling around the eyes
Cracked or fractured teeth
Pulp (nerve) exposure - looks like a red circle in the center of the tooth
Adulthood! There is a common misconception that dental disease is a senior issue, but in actuality most pets begin to develop dental disease in early adulthood - many as young as 1-3 years of age!
None! Unfortunately dental disease often hides out of sight beneath the gum line, requiring x-rays to detect.
Brush Your Pet's Teeth
Teeth brushing is a fantastic way to keep plaque and tartar at bay! To get the most out of teeth brushing, follow these tips and tricks:
For teeth brushing to actually improve your pet’s oral health, it needs to occur daily! Brushing a couple times per week has been shown to have little positive impact on dental health.
When brushing, focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth and aim for the upper portion of each tooth, where the tooth intersects with the gumline. Pay extra attention to the canines and molars. These are the areas that typically accumulate the most plaque and tartar.
Aim to brush for 30 seconds on each side.
Always use pet-specific toothpaste - NEVER use human toothpaste on your pets! Human toothpaste typically contains xylitol and other ingredients that are toxic to pets.
If you have more than one pet, make sure everyone has their own toothbrush! Every pet has a unique oral microbiome and we want to avoid transferring bacteria.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months.
Feed Dental Products Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
There are lots of products out there marketed to ‘support your pet’s oral health’, but the reality is that many of these products are ineffective. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a veterinary organization focused on dental health with a mission to connect pet parents with dental health products that actually work by conducting extensive quality testing. Look for their "seal of approval" when purchasing dental products for your pets - this ensures the product has been proven to be effective and is worth the purchase!
Avoid Giving Your Pet Anything Too Firm
Avoid feeding treats, bones, chews and toys that are extremely hard - these can fracture your pet’s teeth! They are also choking hazards and pose a digestive risk. A good rule of thumb to go by is if you cannot bend or manipulate the item at all, it’s likely too hard!
Schedule Regular Dental Exams With Your Veterinarian
Keeping up to date on your pet's professional dental care is vital in maintaining their oral health! While at-home dental care is important, it cannot take the place of professional cleanings. Just like us humans - we brush our teeth every day but still need to see the dentist!
Pets should receive a comprehensive oral exam every 6 to 12 months. Based on this physical exam your veterinarian will make individualized recommendations for if/when your pet should receive a dental cleaning and what that cleaning will likely entail specific to their current stage of dental disease