Ah, February: valentines and roses, spring snows and President’s Day, pet dentals and…

 

Pet dentals, you say?

 

Yes indeed, because February is nationally recognized as Pet Dental Health Month. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, eight of every ten dogs and seven of every ten cats show signs of oral disease at age three. And left untreated, dental problems can cause not only tooth loss—it can cause the spread of infection to your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys. So, preventing dental disease may very well help prevent other health problems. Good dental hygiene improves everyone’s wellness, including that of your pets.

 

Sound like what you hear while you’re in the dentist’s chair? It’s no coincidence—pet dental problems can look very much like human dental problems. If your pet will allow it, open his mouth and take a peek. Signs like redness or swelling in the gums, a yellow buildup of material around the teeth, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums, mean that dental disease is present.

 

How does pet dental disease happen, you ask? The same way it happens in your mouth. Particles of food get lodged in your pet’s teeth and gums. If it is not removed, it becomes an ideal place for bacteria to grow, and for plaque and tartar to form. Eventually, pockets of infection form, and the gums start to pull away from the teeth, which allows more food debris to enter and more bacteria to form. Periodontitis (yes, the same gum disease people can develop) takes hold, and your pet loses teeth. If that weren’t enough, bacteria from the mouth travels through the blood throughout the rest of your pet’s body, causing all sorts of health problems, which can be very expensive to treat.

 

How do you prevent gum disease in your pets? The same way you prevent it in people: a well-balanced, nutritious diet, good oral hygiene, and regular checkups. We suggest the following guidelines:

 

--Proper nutrition: Your pets benefit from a steady, balanced diet. Your vet can suggest the proper type of food. Generally, the hard, crunchy foods don’t leave as much debris as the soft foods do (but, again, your vet will advise you on the best food for your pet).

 

--Chew toys: Choose chew toys and treats that are neither too soft or too hard. Too soft, and there is debris left in the teeth; too hard, and your pet may end up with broken teeth.

 

--Regular brushing: Yes, you need to brush your pet’s teeth; it’s just as important for your pet’s dental health as it is for your own. The good news is that you may not have to brush your pet’s teeth as often as you brush your own. We carry a line of dental hygiene products made specifically for your pets, which include toothpaste your pets will like. Don’t use human toothpaste; it will upset your pet’s stomach. Your vet will tell you how often to brush, and will gladly train you in how to do so.

 

--Regular dental exams (make sure to request this during your pet’s wellness exams) and regular dental cleanings. This is an important step; just as brushing isn’t enough to keep your teeth clean, regular dental cleanings go below the gumline to remove plaque the toothbrush can’t get to.

 

--Consider the use of dental sealants. These work by creating a barrier which helps prevent the development of tartar in the first place. Your vet can apply the sealant during the cleanings, and you can apply supplemental treatments on a weekly basis at home. Again, ask your vet about doing this for your pet.

 

--Take time to really watch your pet. Regularly check for bad breath, abnormal eating or drinking habits, a change in behavior, or pawing at the face; these can all signal dental problems.

 

At what age should your pet start receiving dental cleanings? It depends on the breed. Smaller dogs generally start needing cleanings at age two, while larger dogs may start them at age three. Cats could start needing cleanings between two and three years of age.

 

Dogs and cats need regular dental checkups as well as regular overall physical checkups—just like you do. So, while you’re scheduling dentist appointments for the kids, give your vet a call, too. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be buying braces for your dog, you will help make his smile—and his life—a whole lot brighter.

 

Tooth Tidbits

 

Kittens typically have 26 temporary teeth which you'll start to see at two to three weeks of age. They'll replace those teeth with 30 permanent teeth, which you'll start to see at three to four months of age.

Puppies typically have 28 temporary teeth which you'll start to see at three to four weeks of age. They'll replace those teeth with 42 permanent teeth, which you'll start to see at four months of age. That's when you'll need to start hiding your shoes.

 

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