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Dental Care

• Dental Care
• Dental Disease
• How do I know if my dog or cat has periodontitis?
• What can I do to help prevent periodontitis in my dog or cat?
• Home Dental Care Tips

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Dental Care

Dental examinations are a regular part of your pet’s wellness exam. Dental disease is the most common problem in our pets, affecting 85% of adult dogs and cats. Unfortunately, these problems are not just limited to gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss; dental disease can cause serious problems such as heart, lung, liver, and kidney disease, as oral bacteria are released into the bloodstream. Nutrition, at-home dental care, and regular dental cleanings (prophylaxis) are necessary to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and happy, and to avoid some of the secondary problems related to dental disease.

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Dental Disease

Factors that influence the development of oral disease include genetics, diets, and dental care. Veterinarians believe that periodic professional dental cleanings coupled with home dental care is a critical element of total healthcare for our pets. As tartar accumulates on the teeth, bacterial plaque within the space between the gum and tooth increases also, which causes inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. This progresses into periodontitis, inflammation and infection of the tissues and structures surrounding the teeth. In this stage, gums may be red and swollen, and they begin to recede or form pockets around the tooth. Affected teeth will lose attachment to surrounding bone, and roots may be exposed. Periodontal disease not only causes "doggy breath" but also pain, discomfort and potential tooth loss.

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How do I know if my dog or cat has periodontitis?

A thorough oral exam is one of the most important parts of our comprehensive exam. There are also some signs to watch for at home:

• Persistent bad breath
• Tartar (cream-brown, hard material on teeth)
• Gums that are red
• Discolored teeth
• Loose or missing teeth
• Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Reluctance to chew on toys
• Facial swelling or sensitivity around the mouth
• Irritability or depression

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What can I do to help prevent periodontitis in my dog or cat?

A healthy diet, at-home dental care, and regular professional dental cleanings (prophylaxis) are required to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, and help avoid some of the complications of dental disease.

• Use a veterinary dental diet—While not a substitute for brushing, several veterinary diets have been proven to decrease the rate of calculus and plaque formation. Ask us for specific recommendations.

• Brush your pet’s teeth at least 3 times each week.

• Have your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned regularly—Our pet care team will evaluate your pet’s mouth at least annually and assign a dental score to help determine when a dental cleaning is due. We use ultrasonic scaling and polish each tooth to remove plaque and bacteria from above and below the gumline.

• Other products—Dental chews, treats, and rinses may help reduce dental disease in your pet.

• Consider a new dental vaccine—Talk to your veterinarian to see if this vaccine could help prevent periodontitis in your dog.

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Home Dental Care Tips:

Week 1: Slowly acquaint your pet with mouth care and the toothbrush—First, coat the bristles of the toothbrush or fingerbrush with flavored pet toothpaste. Without restraint, allow your pet to lick the brush 3-5 times daily.

Week 2: Begin gentle brushing—Offer the toothbrush or fingerbrush to your pet, and once the licking is established, try brushing the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Do this for 30 seconds on the first day, and progress to 3 minutes by the end of the week.

Week 3: Extend brushing time and brush more vigorously—Work up to ten full oval-shaped motions over each area (3-4 teeth) before moving to a new area. Gently force the bristle ends into the area around the base of the tooth and the space between the teeth.

Weeks 4+: Continue brushing your pet’s teeth every 1-2 days—Many of us lead busy lives, but try to brush your pet’s teeth every 1-2 days to help prevent dental disease.
Please note that toothpaste designed for people contains ingredients that may upset your pet’s stomach—only use toothpaste formulated for pets.

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