Have you looked in your pet

Have you looked in your pet’s mouth lately?

Dogs and cats can’t brush their teeth. But foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unappealing, they could indicate a serious gum disease. And that can lead to other health problems.

Periodontal disease affects nearly 80 percent of all cats and dogs over the age of three. It starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss and even damage to the heart and other internal organs.

Without proper dental care, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In fact, oral disease is the No. 1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. The American Veterinary Dental Society AVDS recommends a three-step program to help prevent oral disease:

Visit your veterinarian for a complete check-up:

A dental exam and, if needed, a dental cleaning by a veterinarian.

Your pet can't tell you if he has a toothache but your veterinarian can.
Your veterinarian can determine if tartar build up has started and the appropriate course of treatment what treatment.

A dental exam and, if needed, a dental cleaning by a veterinarian.

Start a pet dental care routine at home:

Begin brushing your pet's teeth at home. It is best start them on routine brushing programs early but adult animals can be taught to tolerate brushing.
Use a specially designed pet toothbrush or soft gauze.
There are specially formulated toothpastes for pets. Toothpaste for humans may upset the pet's stomach.

A home dental care routine that includes regular brushing and nutritious diet.

Continue regular veterinary check ups:

Discuss your pet's dental care and diet with your veterinarian.
Watch for warning signs of dental disease such as bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, or depression between visits.

How can I tell if my dog or cat has gum disease?

If your pet will allow it, open its mouth and look inside. Look for the warning signs of gum disease – bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gumline, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Seek veterinary care if you notice any of these problems.

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets
	An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS).

	Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs, particularly smaller breeds.

	Cats can develop painful cervical line lesions. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

Oral disease begins with a buildup of bacteria in the pet´s mouth
	Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar.

	If tartar is not removed from the teeth, pockets of infection may appear along the gum line and further separate the teeth from the gum, which allows more food and bacteria to accumulate.

	Without proper treatment, this plaque and tartar buildup may cause periodontal disease, which affects the tissue and structure supporting the teeth.

Periodontitis is irreversible and may lead to other health problems
	Unlike the inflamed gums of gingivitis, which can be treated and reversed with thorough plaque removal and continued plaque control, periodontitis can only be contained to prevent progression. The disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

	The infection caused by periodontal disease may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys.

Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease
	Common indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression.

	If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for a dental exam.

The good news is that pet owners can reduce the risk of oral disease by following AVDS recommendations
	The first step in preventing oral disease is a routine physical examination including a dental exam.

	Pet owners should practice a regular dental care regimen at home, which may include brushing the pet´s teeth with specially formulated toothpaste. It´s best to start early, but grown dogs and cats can learn to tolerate brushing. Toothpaste for humans is not recommended because it may upset the pet´s stomach.

	Schedule regular follow-up care with your family veterinarian and ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.

A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include both regular brushing and proper, nutritional food.

Brushing Your Pet´s Teeth

Download this QuickTime movie to see a pet´s teeth being brushed. (762KB)

Download the QuickTime plug-in if you need it.

	Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.
	At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
	Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.
	Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal’s stomach.

Dog Dental Facts
	Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They have 42 permanent teeth that begin to emerge at about four months.

	Symptoms of gum disease in dogs include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.

	Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.

Cat Dental Facts
	Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to erupt at about two to three weeks of age. They have 30 permanent teeth that erupt at about three to four months.

	Symptoms of periodontal disease in cats include yellow and brown tartar buildup along the gum line, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath.

	Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

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Information compiled from The American Veterinary Society and Pet Dental