Dental Care
It is a well established fact that 85% or more of our dogs and cat pets experience some degree of dental disease by the time they are four years of age. In pets, the most common form of disease results from plaque and tartar build up (This is unlike in people where the most common form of dental disease is cavities). Plaque is a gummy substance that forms on the teeth within a few hours after a meal. Within 24 hours, plaque starts to harden into tartar. Tartar accumulation causes irritation of the gums at the base of the tooth (gingivitis) or deeper in the tissues that support the teeth (periodontal disease). This can leave these areas prone to infection and the gums will start to recede as a result of inflammation. Ultimately this can result in root exposure and even tooth loss. Cats are uniquely prone to a disease that erodes the enamel. This disease is not exactly the same as cavities in people but the end result is the same… painful teeth! In addition to the discomfort and bad breath (halitosis) associated with dental disease (and the potential for tooth loss), dental disease can also be a source of problems elsewhere in the body. Tartar serves as a place where bacteria can reside and multiply in the mouth. The bacteria can produce an infection in the gums and can spread to other areas in the mouth or even spread via the blood stream to other vital organs like the lungs, kidneys or heart.
Fortunately there are many things we can do to help prevent dental disease.
Brushing of the teeth is the most effective means of removing plaque before it turns into tartar. We recommend the use of toothpaste made especially for dogs and cats. This needs to be done at least twice weekly, but for best results needs to be done daily. We know that not all dogs will tolerate it, but for those that will, special brushes are available that make this task easier. Our staff can give a demonstration on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth.
Feeding your pet predominantly dry food diet has been shown to help reduce the incidence of dental disease. Prescription Diet t/d is a food that has been shown to greatly reduce tartar build up. It is formulated as a dry food and is composed of large pieces. Because the pieces are too large to be swallowed whole, your pet must chew them. The food contains fibres that literally scrape the plaque off of the teeth without damaging the enamel. By removing plaque as it forms, tartar formation is greatly diminished.
Use a “mouthwash” that is added to your pets drinking water or placed in the mouth. This type of product reduces the bacterial count in the mouth, resulting in improved breath. There are special tartar prevention treats that can be given that work in similar or other ways to help reduce the incidence of dental disease.
There are a host of chew toys that can help to preserve the health of teeth and prevent dental disease. Good examples include Gumabones, Dental Kongs and Cotton Ropes. Dogs that chew appropriate toys tend to accumulate tartar more slowly. Avoid tennis balls as the felt is made for friction and can cause micro fractures on your pets teeth.
The following tips can help with brushing your pets teeth. Start as soon as possible (eight to twelve weeks old is best but you can start at any age). Pets don’t need maintenance this young, but by brushing once or twice weekly, they will have been made familiar with the routine when the permanent teeth erupt. It is a good idea to stop brushing while your pet is losing its baby teeth, as the mouth will be a bit sore and a brush might cause more discomfort. Once all the permanent teeth are in, you can pick-up where you left off. Remember, you need only brush the outer surfaces of the teeth, what you seen when you lift the lip.
The first step is to work with your pet’s mouth, with a little patience; your pet will readily accept this attention. Make it fun for both of you. Try to have your practice sessions at the same time each day, so your pet gets into a routine. Late in the evening often works well, as everyone involved is generally in a quiet mood. If your pet is highly motivated by food, try just before a meal with the meal acting as a reward for co-operation. Praise is also a valuable reward for co-operation.
Start by handling the muzzle and gently touching the lips. Soon you will be able to rub the gums with your finger. Put a few drops of water (flavoured with garlic or garlic salt for dogs and tuna juice for cats), in the mouth daily. Your pet will soon look forward to this treat.
Next use a washcloth or a piece of gauze, wrapped around the end of your finger and flavoured as above, to gently rub the teeth.
Finally, use a soft toothbrush to brush the teeth. There are several veterinary brushes available. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and brush back or forth, from gum to tip. Use the garlic water or tuna juice. Make it a game.
There is an ever-growing selection of veterinary tooth washes, pastes and gels. We can help you select the one best suited to your pet’s situation. These products all increase the effectiveness of your home-care programme, but remember it’s the brushing which does most of the cleaning. Brushing daily is recommended, but should be done at least twice weekly. Avoid human toothpaste, as it will cause stomach upset if swallowed. Baking soda, with its very high sodium content, can be dangerous to older patients. Hydrogen peroxide can be too harsh for the gums and must not be swallowed.
If you need a demonstration on how to brush your pets teeth call us to schedule a time. We provide this service at no charge.
If you need any supplies such as toothbrushes, paste, tartar prevention treats or T/D call us or drop by the hospital to pick them up. If you have questions about dental care or if you think your pet may be suffering from dental disease you should contact the hospital.
For information about Dentistry services available at GVH, click here.
