Dental disease is a common problem for pets, and the best oral health care strategy is prevention. Proper dental care not only keeps your pet’s mouth healthy, but also is important to maintain their overall good health. Veterinarians across Canada celebrate Pet Dental Health in February, and our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team is highlighting this important issue with tips that will help you provide appropriate dental care for your pet.

#1: Understand how dental disease affects your pet

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe infection and inflammation that affect the teeth’s supporting structures. The initial stage involves gingival tissue inflammation, but dental disease that is not treated progressively damages the supporting structures. This can result in several serious health complications, including:

  • Oral pain — Inflammation and infection in your pet’s mouth can lead to significant pain, and can potentially affect your pet’s ability to eat.
  • Missing teeth — Progressive damage to a tooth’s supporting structures ultimately results in tooth loss, which also can negatively impact your pet’s ability to chew.
  • Tooth root abscess — Bacteria can enter the tooth root and cause an abscess, which is extremely painful. In some cases, the abscess ruptures and creates a draining tract in your pet’s face or jaw.
  • Jaw fracture — Bacterial invasion causes bone deterioration, which can lead to a pathologic bone fracture. This is mostly a problem for cats and small-breed dogs.
  • Sinusitis — Periodontal disease that affects the upper teeth can migrate through the palate, creating an oronasal fistula. These openings allow food and water to enter the nasal passage from the mouth, leading to chronic sinusitis. 
  • Eye infection — Your pet’s eyes are closely situated to their upper tooth roots, and periodontal disease that affects these teeth can lead to eye infections and possible vision loss.
  • Organ damage — Bacteria from your pet’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and damage organs throughout their body, most commonly their heart, kidneys, and liver.

#2: Recognize dental disease signs in your pet

Pets are great at hiding vulnerabilities and often don’t exhibit dental disease signs, which can make detection difficult. Tips include:

  • Smell your pet’s breath — Bad breath is one of the most common dental disease signs. When cuddling your pet, sniff their breath to see if the odor is offensive.
  • Lift your pet’s lip — Discolored teeth and red or bleeding gums also indicate dental disease. Periodically, lift your pet’s lip to evaluate their teeth and gums.
  • Watch your pet eat — If your pet cocks their head, drools excessively, or chews on only one side when eating, they could have dental disease.
  • Notice abnormal behavior — In some cases, the only sign is a behavior change. If your pet is more quiet, withdrawn, or irritable than usual, this could indicate a problem such as dental disease.

#3: Schedule regular wellness checks for your pet

A visual oral examination is part of a routine wellness check, and these visits help our veterinary team detect conditions, such as dental disease, in the early stages, when they are easier to manage.

#4: Schedule routine professional veterinary dental cleanings for your pet

Many dental abnormalities can’t be detected on a visual oral examination, and professional veterinary dental exams and cleanings are necessary to identify and address underlying problems and to help prevent disease advancement. Here’s what to expect at your pet’s next professional dental cleaning:

  • Anesthesia — We anesthetize your pet to prevent undue stress and discomfort. This also allows our team to perform a thorough dental evaluation and cleaning.
  • Records — Our team fully evaluates your pet’s mouth, and we chart the results in their dental record.
  • Plaque and tartar — We remove all plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and polish the teeth to help ensure bacteria do not adhere to the surface.
  • X-rays — Our team X-rays your pet’s mouth to identify tooth root and bony lesions that can’t be seen on a visual oral examination.
  • Extractions — We perform extractions or other necessary procedures to address your pet’s dental issues.
  • Fluoride — In some cases, we apply fluoride or dental sealants to help prevent plaque accumulation.

#5: Brush your pet’s teeth daily

Studies demonstrate that gingivitis can develop in one to three weeks after a dental cleaning, which makes at-home dental care extremely important to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Daily toothbrushing is the best way to prevent dental disease in your pet. Steps include:

  • Handling your pet’s mouth — First acclimate your pet to their mouth being handled. Place peanut butter or tuna juice on your finger and let them lick your finger. Gently rub your finger over their gums and teeth while they are distracted by their treat.
  • Introducing the toothbrush — Once your pet is comfortable with their mouth being handled, place a yummy treat on a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and let them lick the brush. Gradually, insert the brush into their mouth and brush their front teeth.
  • Choosing a pet-friendly toothpaste — Many human dental products are toxic to pets, so choose a pet-specific toothpaste in a flavor, such as poultry, beef, or seafood, that your pet enjoys. Ensure you choose a product with enzymatic properties to help combat plaque accumulation.
  • Praising your pet — Throughout the process, praise your pet, and offer a treat at the end of every toothbrushing session.

Prevention is the best oral care strategy for your pet. To schedule a wellness visit or professional veterinary dental cleaning, contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team, so we can help ensure their mouth is disease- and pain-free.