Dogs and cats can’t brush their teeth, but they should.
Oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs and
cats. Bad breath and discolored teeth aren’t just unattractive;
they can indicate serious gum disease. Bad breath is most often
caused by bacteria formed when plaque and tartar aren’t removed
from teeth, which may cause gum infection. And that can lead
to other health problems.
Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs
over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and plaque and
progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums,
tooth loss and even damage to internal organs. Gum disease can
cause pets pain and serious dental problems later in life, and lead
to more serious illnesses, like heart and kidney disease. But
it can be prevented.
Without proper dental care, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of
cats show signs of oral disease by age three. A complete home
dental care program for pets includes both regular brushing and proper,
nutritional food.
Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining
the animal and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A
cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure
the pet throughout the process.
To start, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for
cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth
and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub teeth
in a circular motion.
Finally, introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets (available
from veterinarians and pet stores) or an ultra-soft brush for people.
Don’t use people toothpaste. It can cause upset stomach.
The older the pet, the more important it is to stop plaque and tartar
accumulation. Studies show bacteria from dental diseases can
move systematically into the vital organs.
Avoid feeding table scraps, which can increase the build up of plaque
and tartar, and lead to other health problems. Feed pets nutritionally
balanced food. (Table food like roasted chicken, steak, rice
and boiled or steamed vegetables can actually be part of a nutritionally
balanced diet. It’s the scraps of fat, skin and gristle,
fried foods and leftover deserts that become a problem.)
Specially formulated pet food to help reduce the accumulation of
plaque and tartar is available through veterinarians.
General anesthesia will be necessary if the pet needs a dental cleaning.
The mechanical and sharp instruments require a completely still patient.
Scaling below the gumline, where many bacteria can hide, is essential.
Failure to remove these bacteria eliminates any medical benefit from
the procedure.
Without proper treatment, plaque and tartar buildup may cause periodontal
disease, which affects the tissue and structure supporting the teeth.
Periodontitis is irreversible and may lead to other health problems.
Unlike the inflamed gums of gingivitis, which can be treated and reversed,
periodontitis can only be contained to prevent progression.
It causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain
and bad breath. Untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss
and the infection may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting
the heart, liver and kidneys.
Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease, like bad
breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or
mouth and depression. With any of these signs present, the pet
should be taken to the vet for a dental exam.
