Pet Dental Month

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Dental health is an extremely important aspect of your pets’ health, but it is one of the most overlooked. Periodontal disease is one of the most common clinical conditions in cats and dogs, however steps can be taken to prevent or slow down disease progression.

Around 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats suffer from some form of periodontal disease by the age of 2. Periodontal disease varies from mild to severe and includes plaque buildup, gingivitis, loose teeth or teeth that fall out, abscess formations, infections, and bad breath.

Brush their teeth! Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth is the most effective thing you can do at home for your pets’ oral health. Choose a soft bristle toothbrush and brush in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle (just like you brush your own teeth). You don’t need to use toothpaste, but a flavored pet toothpaste could make it more enjoyable for your pet. Just remember, never use human toothpaste for an animal.

Another option available to support your pets’ at home dental routine is to feed a diet that is tailored specifically for dental health. There are several dental diets on the market, your veterinarian can recommend the best option for your pet. The large kibble size and unique composition of this food encourages chewing, and helps knock tartar and plaque off the tooth surface, especially the back molars.

Just like you go see a dentist regularly, your pet also needs to have their teeth checked out. Your veterinarian can do this at your regular wellness exam visit. Having a dental exam done under anesthetic allows veterinary professionals to properly examine the mouth and take appropriate X-rays. This helps to identify any broken teeth and roots, infected teeth, abscesses, periodontal disease, and bone loss. They will then be able to clean the surface and under the gum lines to reduce the number of bacteria growing on them. After the teeth have been cleaned, they are polished and treated with fluoride. This leaves a smooth surface and discourages the plaque and bacteria from building up.

Chew toys and dental treats can be given but use caution when choosing. Remember, if it is too hard for you to chew, its too hard for your pet. Broken teeth are painful and expensive to fix. Rubber or nylon toys like Kongs, and rope toys are a good option.

The best and least expensive treatment is prevention. A combination of daily tooth brushing (especially on the back teeth and canines), and a prescription dental diet is the best option for optimal results. Schedule a wellness exam appointment with your local veterinarian, and ask for more information on dental health.

Jamie Saulnier and Rebecca Metcalf