Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but dental care isn't just necessary in February. Dental disease is the most common health issue seen in companion animals. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some degree of periodontal disease by the age of 3 years! Periodontal disease doesn't just cause a foul or stinky mouth, but can aggravate heart, liver, and kidney issues, make it difficult to regulate chronic medical conditions, as well as causing unnecessary pain and discomfort. The bacteria and toxins released by untreated dental disease enter your pet's blood stream and can cause infections in various organ systems and make it difficult to treat common infections like Urinary Tract Infections, Upper Respiratory Infections, or skin infections.

Stages of Oral Health

Healthy Teeth and Gums

Healthy teeth should have minimal tartar and plaque buildup. The gums should be pink and firmly attached to the tooth surface. There should be no fractures, cracks, chips or holes (known as resorptive lesions in cats). Gums should not be receded or bleeding.

Stage 1 Periodontal Disease

Plaque and tarter build up is a visible yellowish film or caking on tooth surface. Gums may be slightly inflamed or reddish nearest the tooth. Gums may bleed easily when abraded. This stage also includes clinical Gingivitis. You may begin to notice a foul or strong odor to your pet's mouth. Bacteria on the tooth surface are destroying the tissue that connects the tooth to the gums at this point. If your pet has Gingivitis (severe inflammation of the gingiva or gums), you may notice a preference for chewing on one side of the mouth, not chewing kibble or less interest in hard treats or dental chews.

Stage 1 periodontal disease is often dismissed or overlooked delaying dental care. It is this stage where we can do the most preventative care to preserve your pet's teeth, reduce pain, and reduce strain on the internal organ systems.

Stage 2 Periodontal Disease

Stage 2 periodontal disease is also known as Early Periodontitis. It is at this stage we see receded gums, some exposure to the tooth structures below the gum line, "pockets" or loss of gingival attachment, and heavy tartar buildup. The gums are very red, tender and sometimes swollen. You may notice what appears to be a film or "goo" between the gums and the tooth. Pets with stage 2 periodontal disease often have a very foul odor to their breath, can be resentful of having their mouth handled or touched, or may show a definite preference for soft or moistened food.

In some breeds, most commonly small breeds with overcrowding of the teeth, it is at this stage in which loose teeth may become noticed by owners.

Stage 3 Periodontal Disease

Stage 3 periodontal disease is classified by a loss of 20-50% of the attachment between the gums and the tooth. We commonly see moderate gingival recession where the gum has pulled up from the tooth exposing large sections of the underlying structures and roots. While this may not noticeable when the tartar is present, it is once removed. We may see pus from areas around the heaviest tartar build up. Dental infections are very common in this stage of disease.

Your pet's mouth is painful at this point. Chronic dental pain can affect more than just eating and drinking and sometimes is noticed as a pet who is "irritable" or "just cranky".

Stage 4 Periodontal Disease

Stage 4 Periodontal Disease is very painful for your pet. There is extremely heavy buildup, pus around multiple teeth, very mobile teeth, gums that bleed easily and deep recession and pocketing. Your pet may have already lost multiple teeth by this stage. Deep infections in the jaw and nasal structures are very common from abscessed tooth roots. Pain from this stage of dental disease can cause decreased interest in eating, refusal to eat hard kibble or a sudden stop in eating, a lack of interest in toys, or behavioral changes.

By stage 4 dental disease, regular professional dental cleanings are vital to returning your pet to health. Extracting severely damaged, infected and loose teeth can be an aid to reducing dental disease and home care will be essential to maintaining a healthy mouth for your pet.

Toothbrushes: Not just for people.

Home care following a dental cleaning is essential to maintaining oral health for your pet. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends brushing your pet's teeth daily in addition to twice yearly dental cleanings with your veterinarian. While this may seem daunting at first, with time and patience you can make brushing your pet's teeth a normal part of the daily routine. See How to brush your Pet's teeth for our guide. You are also welcome to call our hospital to speak to a technician for even more tips.

Tooth Friendly Treats and Diet

The type of treats you give your pet can play a big role in his or her dental health. Tooth fractures are common dental injuries and are seen most often in dogs that chew on cage or crate doors, fences, cow hooves, rocks or hard toys. Fractures can also occur due to fighting or traumatic injury which is commonly seen in cats. Just as in people, broken teeth hurt! Avoid "treats" such as cow hooves and don't give your dog hard plastic toys.

Dental friendly treats include C.E.T Chews. These chews are available through your veterinarian and contain a special enzyme which provides a more effective means of removing plaque and buildup than ordinary biscuits. We also carry Hill's Prescription diet T/D and Royal Canin Dental. Two of the few products awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptances for helping to reduce both plaque and tartar buildup. These can be fed as a standard diet or used as a treat and both come in a regular (medium to large breed) and small bites (small and toy breed) formulas.

It is never too early to start your pet on the right path for a healthy mouth. The veterinarians and technicians at Orange Grove Animal Hospital are here to help. Call to schedule your pets Dental Health checkup today!