Why should your animal companion's teeth be cleaned?
Having good oral health contributes to good over-all general health in animals just as it does in humans. The same blood that flows through the teeth and gums flows through the entire body. If there is an infection in the gums, toxins are carried in the blood throughout the body, slowly poisoning the heart, liver, and kidneys, and all the organs in the body. If we keep our teeth clean and our gums free from infection, we may live longer as well as our beloved animal companions. Cats and dogs are subject to periodontal disease just as we are and need their teeth cleaned on a regular basis.
Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. If untreated, these inflamed gums start to recede, creating pockets where more food particles and bacteria can reside. It becomes a vicious cycle ending in irreversible ligament damage around the teeth and even supportive bone loss (periodontal disease). You can see how important it is to look at your animal companion's teeth. Early symptoms, like bad breath, may not be that obvious. By the time you notice your dog or cat drooling or having trouble eating, the dental disease is already well advanced.
The good news is that dental disease is a preventable and treatable problem.
How often should your animal companion's teeth be cleaned?
Some dogs and cats need their teeth cleaned more often than others. Small dogs tend to have more trouble with their teeth than big dogs and need more frequent recall visits. It is a good idea to start them while they are young and still have good dental health. They quickly become accustomed to the procedure and it is easy and painless for them.
Tiny dogs usually are best served by having their teeth cleaned every 3-6 months depending on gum condition and the severity of periodontal disease that is present. Some cats need frequent cleanings as well. Animals are like people in that some of them are more prone to gum disease than others.
Diet plays a big factor in the equation as well. Dogs who eat a natural diet that includes appropriate raw bones have much better teeth than dogs who eat kibble or canned food. You can explore natural feeding and care options here: Southern California Raw Food and Holistic care links.
Home care is important as well. Try brushing your animal companion's teeth with a soft brush and toothpaste that is specially formulated for animal companions. Never use regular toothpaste as it is toxic for animals.
How can you tell if your animal companion needs his teeth cleaned?
Lift up the lips and inspect the teeth and gums. If you see yellow, brown, tan, or gray deposits, red, irritated gums, or bleeding when you brush your animal companion's teeth, these are all indicators your animal companion needs his teeth cleaned. Bad breath is also an indication.
Does he eat his food carefully? Have you noticed pain or a foul smelling yellow-brown crust around the gum line? Any or all of these signs could mean dental disease, a painful and serious problem that requires veterinary attention. The original cause of most dental problems is plaque, a colorless film that contains a large number of harmful bacteria. Because your pet doesn't brush his teeth like you do, this plaque can cause tartar to develop on the tooth near and under the gum line. The result is swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), and eventually periodontal disease, which can destroy the gums and tissue that support the teeth.
Shouldn't this be done at the vet's office?
Most people would prefer not to run the risk of a general anesthetic just for a routine teeth cleaning every six months or so. If your animal companion is in good health and does not have severe periodontal disease it is not necessary in most cases to clean your animal companion's teeth under a general anesthetic. Anesthesia carries serious risks that include prolonged grogginess, nausea, and death. Damage can occur to the trachea from the intubation.
No responsible animal companion owner wants to expose their animal companion to these risks every six months for the rest of their life
For a non-anesthesia teeth cleaning it is recommended you consult with your veterinarian prior to having your animal companion's teeth cleaned. Be sure to ask your Vet if your animal companion needs to be pre-medicated with antibiotics to prevent infection and follow instructions carefully to protect your animal companion.
How do I care for my companion's teeth at home?
Excellent products are available at pet specialty stores. A unique triple sided toothbrush and other unique products are made by Triple-PetŪ.
BRUSHING - Brushing the teeth with a pet toothpaste (not human, because animal companion's have not yet mastered the rinse and spit technique). A minute or two every night after the meals are done is ideal. Even every other night will still be of some benefit. You only have to brush the visible lip surface of the teeth. Use a small ultra soft toothbrush or finger brush at a 45 degree angle at the gum line. Pay special attention to the back teeth. Granted, this will not be easy to start doing with an adult animal companion. Those of you with youngsters have an advantage. Your youngster will think it is normal to get a pasty treat before bed. Start slowly, get them used a favorite flavor of toothpaste first, before actually brushing. Many flavors are available, (for example, mint, poultry, malt) so find one your animal companion likes. Patience and perseverance help here.
If you are not sure if your animal companion has dental disease, ask your veterinarian. He/she checks your animal companion's teeth at every annual health exam. Your vet or animal health technologist can also demonstrate how to brush the teeth. They will also be able to advise you as to alternatives to brushing if your animal companion just refuses to get with the program. There are oral gels that can be wiped on the gums and more frequent cleanings are an option.
If your animal companion already has significant tartar and gingivitis, your animal companion's gums may be too tender and bleed too easily to just start brushing, or there may be cervical line lesions (holes in the tooth enamel at the gum line) that are intensely painful to your animal companion. In which case, a veterinarian dental visit is recommended to remove tartar, polish the teeth and get the gingivitis under control so you can maintain your animal companion's teeth. Painful teeth can be removed and improve your animal companion's quality of life.
As you can see, it is critical to address dental issues for the health of your animal companion. The old adage holds true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." And in this case, preventing dental disease can prevent pain and serious diseases in your animal companion and help them live a long and happy life.
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How do I prepare for the appointment?
Please be sure to walk your dog before the appointment. It will help him relax and give him a chance to empty his bladder, making him more comfortable. It is very important to have a positive attitude about the procedure. Your pet reads all your thoughts and feelings so if you are feeling anxious or unsure about how this will work out, you will not be able to hide this from your pet and he will act out your anxiety. This can make my job difficult if not impossible. I can't stress strongly enough how important is to check your own fears and insecurities about dentistry. Most likely, your pet has never had a non-anesthesia teeth cleaning before and has no frame of reference. Do not feel sorry or guilty for getting your pet's teeth cleaned. Maintain a positive attitude and know that you are doing something wonderful for your pet. If you feel calm and confident your pet will pick that up as well and the procedure will go much smoother. If your pet has had an anesthesia-free cleaning before and had a bad experience please be sure to let me know beforehand so I can reassure your pet that this time it will be different. Pets, like people are all different and some need lots and lots of TLC (my specialty).
Want more information on companion animal dental health?
To learn more about identifying problems and home dental care and dental health in pets, visit
petdental.com, a Web site sponsored by the American Veterinary Dental Society.
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