Lake Side Animal Hospital Oral Health Guide  

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adult humans, dogs and cats. By two or three years of age, 60-80% of dogs and casts have some form of dental disease. Just like us, our pets need dental care too. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, cats have 30. Brushing your pet's teeth, feeding a special diet and routine veterinary dental check ups can help your pet maintain oral health and prevent more serious diseases from developing.

Symptoms of periodontal disease:

 

Bad breath (halitosis)	Discoloration of the teeth (yellow or brown crust buildup)
Bleeding gums	Inappropriate drooling
Poor self-grooming	Change of eating or chewing habits
Dropping food from mouth	Pawing at the mouth
Facial rubbing	Teeth grinding or chattering
Swallowing food whole	Personality changes (subdued or aggression)
Head or mouth shyness	Tooth loss
Facial swelling	Nasal discharge

If your pet shows any of the above warning signs, dental disease may already be present.

Causes of periodontal disease:
The start of most dental problems in pets is plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria, cells and salivary proteins. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar. Tartar builds up at the base of the teeth and below the gum line causing infection and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Left untreated, gingivitis results in destruction of the gums and tissues that surround and support the teeth. This can lead to pain, tooth loss and more serious illnesses such as heart, liver and kidney disease.

Other contributing factors to periodontal disease:
Age: Periodontal disease is more common as pets get older.
Breed: Periodontal disease is more common in certain breeds of dogs (ex: greyhounds), smaller dogs and pure breed cats (ex: abyssiniam, Siamese, Birmans).
Diet: Soft foods allow tartar to build up faster than dry foods. Dry foods allow for some abrasive action while the pet is chewing, and gently scrapes away some of the plaque.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Dogs and cats do not brush their teeth everyday, thus home dental care is important to maintaining oral health. Ignoring the condition of your pet's mouth can lead to serious health problems. Routine veterinary dental checkups are also recommended.

Recommendations on dental care for your pet:

1. A physical exam with Dr. Beaulieu. Every regular exam includes a dental checkup. If periodontal disease is found, treatment recommendations will be made.

2. Feeding a diet recommended by Lake Side Animal Hospital.

3. At home oral care routine. This includes decreasing the number of hard objects your pet chews on (to prevent broken teeth) and brushing your pet's teeth regularly.

4. Professional dental cleanings. We recommend once or twice a year dental cleanings (depending on age, breed and severity of dental disease) to remove all tartar and plaque via scraping. Many pets require tooth extractions for cavities, infection or broken teeth. We will recommend what we think is appropriate for your pet and will provide an estimated cost break down.

Tips on brushing your pet's teeth:

1. Start gradually; getting your pet used to dental brushing may take a few days to weeks.

2. Rub just your finger (or finger flavored with tuna juice or beef/chicken bouillon) over the gums and teeth.

3. Keep the first several sessions short and positive. Be patient.

4. After your pet is used to your finger, you can either progress to a finger brush or a piece of gauze over your finger, rubbing in a circular motion.

5. The next step includes introduction of pet toothpaste. Add a small amount of pet toothpaste (poultry, seafood or malt flavored) onto your finger or finger brush. Allow your pet to taste it.

6. Graduate to a soft bristled toothbrush with pet toothpaste. Let your pet lick the bristles of the toothbrush with the toothpaste on it.

7. Brush gently and as often as you can. We recommend a minimum of every other day day (three times a week), but daily brushing is best.

8. Do not use people toothpaste. Some of the ingredients (enzymes) are harmful to your pet. Pet's usually do not like the taste and can get intestinal upset.