Maintaining Your Pet’s Dental Health

As pet owners, we all want to ensure our furry companions live long, healthy, and happy lives. One of the most important aspects of your pet’s overall health is their dental care, yet it often goes unnoticed.

Did you know that by the time most pets are just a few years old, they may already be suffering from some form of periodontal disease? This blog will explore the significance of dental health in pets, discuss the common signs and stages of periodontal disease, and offer tips on how you can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy at home.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums, bone, and ligaments. It begins with the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth, which harbor bacteria that cause inflammation and infection in the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, chronic pain, and systemic infections that can affect your pet’s overall health.

There are four stages of periodontal disease:

Stage 1 – Gingivitis: In this early stage, your pet’s gums become inflamed and red. There is no permanent damage to the teeth or surrounding tissues, but if untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of the disease.

Stage 2 – Early Periodontitis: At this stage, plaque and tartar have begun to accumulate below the gumline. Gums may recede slightly, and some bone loss may occur, but the damage is still minimal.

Stage 3 – Moderate Periodontitis: This stage is characterized by significant gum recession, further bone loss, and infection. Pets may show signs of discomfort, and tooth mobility can start to become noticeable.

Stage 4 – Advanced Periodontitis: This is the most severe stage, where there is extensive gum recession, significant bone loss, and tooth instability. Pets at this stage may experience severe pain and infection that can spread throughout their body.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease often develops slowly, and many pets don’t show obvious symptoms until the condition is advanced. However, there are several warning signs to watch for:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Red or swollen gums
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat hard food
• Loose or missing teeth
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Changes in behavior, such as irritability or reluctance to be handled around the mouth

One critical thing to note is that many pets, especially dogs and cats, will continue eating even with significant dental pain. This makes it even more important to be proactive about your pet’s dental care since the discomfort may not always be immediately obvious.

When Does Periodontal Disease Develop in Pets?

Studies show that periodontal disease can start as early as three years of age in cats and dogs. In fact, around 80% of dogs will have some form of periodontal disease by the time they reach three years old. For cats, around 70% show signs of dental disease by the age of three.

While these numbers may seem alarming, the good news is that periodontal disease is largely preventable with regular dental care.

The Importance of Dental Health

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is about more than just preventing bad breath and tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to significant pain, and the bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. This can lead to systemic health issues that can shorten your pet’s lifespan.

Regular dental care can prevent these complications and keep your pet pain-free, allowing them to live a longer, healthier life. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are key to avoiding severe complications and ensuring your pet’s comfort and well-being.

Tips for Regular Dental Care at Home

The good news is that with a little effort, you can help your pet maintain optimal dental health at home. Here are some effective ways to manage your pet’s dental hygiene:

1. Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth: Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Aim to brush your pet’s teeth daily using a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Start slowly, allowing your pet to get used to the process, and always use products designed for pets. (Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful to animals.)
2. Water Additives: Dental water additives can be a simple solution to help reduce plaque and tartar. These additives are mixed with your pet’s drinking water and can help maintain oral hygiene with minimal effort.
3. Dental Chews and Treats: Many commercial dental chews are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar through chewing action. Look for products that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for proven effectiveness.
4. Dental Toys: There are a variety of dental toys available that help massage your pet’s gums and scrape plaque off their teeth while they play. Always ensure any toy or treat can be indented with your fingernail to ensure that it is safe enough for your pet’s teeth and won’t cause fracture of any teeth.
5. Healthy Diet: Providing your pet with a balanced diet can contribute to their overall health, including their oral health. Some specially formulated dental diets can help control plaque and tartar buildup.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Even with the best at-home care, your pet will still need professional dental cleanings from time to time. Veterinarians use specialized equipment to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar that may be hard to reach with regular brushing. Professional cleanings are usually done under anesthesia to ensure that your pet remains still and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Dental cleanings not only help treat existing periodontal disease, but they also give your veterinarian the opportunity to spot potential issues before they become more serious. For pets with significant dental disease, extractions may be necessary to prevent further pain or infection.

Conclusion

Dental health is an integral part of your pet’s overall well-being. Periodontal disease is common, but it is also preventable with regular dental care. By brushing your pet’s teeth, using water additives and dental chews, and scheduling routine professional cleanings, you can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, prevent systemic disease, and improve their quality of life. So, take charge of your pet’s dental health today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re doing everything you can to keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

– Dr. Jeanette Barragan