Provided
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, 80% of canines and 70% of felines have some dental disease by the age of TWO!
Since 1994, the AVMA has sponsored the annual National Pet Dental Health Month every February to highlight the importance of oral hygiene and the prevention of dental disease in pets.
Dental Disease 101
As with our own dental health, our pets’ untreated and undertreated dental health can:
- Lead to serious health issues outside their mouth as bacteria can enter the bloodstream and can affect the kidneys, lungs, and heart.
- Be caused – or exacerbated – by other health issues in the pet’s body, including a compromised immune system, diabetes or Cushing’s disease, feline viral infections, malnutrition, and chronic inflammation.
Learn about the six stages of dental disease below.
Dental Disease: The Six Stages
The progress of dental disease begins with the stages below:
1. Bad breath.
2. Plaque and tartar.
3. Periodontal disease.
4. Red, inflamed gums; bleeding and/or swelling.
5. Tissue breakdown around the teeth and roots.
6. Loose/broken, missing, abscessed, or infected teeth.
While larger dog breeds may be less prone to dental issues, they are not exempt, so watch for these signs of potential dental issues:
- Halitosis (bad breath).
- Head shaking.
- Pawing at the mouth.
- Jaw chattering.
- Excessive drooling.
- Inflamed gums or signs of bleeding.
- Difficulty eating, dropping food, or loss or reduction of appetite.
Note: a misaligned jaw structure can also lead to plaque buildup and subsequent tartar formation without regular, consistent, and adequate dental care. Always work closely with your veterinarian for medical intervention and treatment.
Next, what should you do between annual vet checkups?
Home Dental Care
In addition to annual veterinarian dental check-ups and cleanings, protect your dog’s pearly whites and overall dental health with regular home dental care.
Ideally, you’ll need to brush your dog’s teeth (preferably every day or at least 2-3 times a week) with:
- Pet toothbrushes or finger brushes size-appropriate for your dog’s mouth.
- Toothpaste specifically formulated for pets; NEVER use human toothpaste to avoid exposure to toxic fluoride and foaming agents.
- Start young to prevent plaque and tartar buildup! Start slowly, let your pet get used to the smell, then introduce taste with short brushing sessions and plenty of rewards to encourage a positive experience.
In addition, a balanced diet, safe dental chews/toys, raw bones (size-appropriate, with supervision), and water additives or other dental products* can help prevent the progression of dental disease in your beloved dog or pet.
* Read all labels carefully and research any unfamiliar terms to ensure products do not contain the following harmful ingredients for your dog:
- Alcohol.
- Propylene Glycol; or
- Sugar Substitutes.
Remember, a consistent at-home dental care routine and regular veterinary exams and treatments are essential to maintaining your beloved pup’s best oral health, overall well-being, and comfort throughout their lifetime!
Learn more about Home Dental Care for Your Pet in this AVMA Video at Tinyurl.com/HomePetDentalCare.
link