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Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dental disease is one of the most common problems in dogs and cats, but it often goes undetected. When was the last time you looked in your pet’s mouth?

The problem is plaque, the layer of bacteria and food particles that forms on the teeth. Tartar develops when this calcifies and hardens. Plaque causes gingivitis – infection of the gums. Left untreated, it leads to periodontitis, where the infection gets into the tooth roots and damages the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. Eventually tooth loss occurs. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and cause other problems including heart and kidney disease.

What are the signs of tooth and gum disease?

  • Yellow or brown stains on the teeth (tartar)
  • Redness of the gums (gingivitis), especially at the tooth/gum margins.
  • Dribbling and/or bad breath!
  • Sometimes painful gums or loose teeth.
  • Reluctance to eat or difficulty eating.

What can you do to prevent this?

Fortunately, this common disease is usually preventable. There are lots of things that you can do to make sure that your pet maintains healthy teeth and gums.   Plaque can be controlled by either mechancial or chemical means.  Mechancial methods physically clean the teeth by brushing or rubbing.  Chemical products help control plaque, usually by killing the bacteria or binding salivary calcium.  No one product will be the answer for every pet, but we can help you select the product(s) that are best for you and your pet’s needs.   Here are some suggestions:

  • Check your pet’s teeth regularly (including the back teeth).
    • Normal healthy teeth should be clean and white, and the gums should be uniformly pink all the way to the tooth margins.
    • A yellow discolouration of the teeth is an indication of tartar build-up and should not be ignored for too long.
    • Redness of the gums, a thick build-up of tartar on the teeth, or bad breath all indicate more advanced disease and mean that it’s time to see the vet – as soon as possible.
  • Have your vet check the teeth at least once a year (we will do this as part of your pet’s annual health check and vaccination). If necessary, we will recommend appropriate treatment to restore your pet’s teeth and gums to good health. Learn about some of the veterinary dental procedures available.
  • Try brushing or one of the various products available to minimise the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Dental disease affects 85% of all dogs and cats over three years of age. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Preventative Home Dental Care

Brush your Pet’s Teeth Every Day

This is the gold standard in pet dental hygiene, reducing up to 100% of plaque when performed effectively.

Effective tooth brushing is dependent on a cooperative pet and a patient owner! Human toothpastes are unsuitable, due to their taste, foaming action and high fluoride content. They are not meant to be swallowed. We have toothpastes designed specifically for animals that come in a variety of flavours that most pets will accept. We also have finger brushes – thimble-like brushes that are much easier to control inside the mouth of cats and small dogs. Small toothbrushes with very soft bristles are OK for larger dogs. To get your pet used to brushing, it is wise to start with just your finger (perhaps flavoured with food), then try a bit of toothpaste on your finger, then finally start using the brush. You only need to brush the outside of each tooth as the tongue adequately cleans the inside. Be patient – it can sometimes take weeks or even months until your pet will let you clean their whole mouth in one sitting. Your pet’s teeth should be brushed at least 2-3 times per week.

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d is clinically proven, uniquely formulated dental diet for adult dogs to effectively reduce plaque and tartar development.  t/d has a unique fibre matrix (together with large kibble size) which resist crumbling.  This kibble engulfs the tooth to the gumline before splitting, effectively “brushing” the tooth surface clean. Hills Prescription Diet t/d has been awarded the VOHC Seal for effective mechanical removal for plaque and tartar.  

Greenies Dental Treats are a nutritionally balanced treat with demonstrated efficacy in controlling plaque and tartar build up. Unlike other treats such as rawhide chews and pig’s ears, teeth penetrate greenies all the way to the gum line. They are gentle on teeth and are soluble (breaking down completely within 24 hours of ingestion) so are less likely to cause the problems that are associated with feeding raw bones. Greenies should be fed every day to achieve maximum benefit.  Greenies are the only treat on the market endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Healthy Council (VOHC). In combination with a dental diet, Greenies can reduce tartar build up by up to 60%. Greenies are available through Macarthur Vet Group – please ask our staff which size Greenie best suits your dog.

OraVet dental chews are a newer chew with a dual action.  The chewing action removes plaque and it then forms a protective barrier over the tooth to help prevent the reattachment of bacteria/plaque.  Like Greenies, daily Oravet is highly recommended by veterinary dental specialists.  

PlaqueOff is a tasty food supplement made from ocean algae (a seaweed extract). PlaqueOff prevents oral bacteria from producing plaque and tartar by disrupting the biofilm that develops on the tooth surface, thereby the ability of plaque to stick to it.  Would you like more information?  Go to www.plaqueoff.com.

Raw Meaty Bones 2-3 times a week is the most natural way to clean the teeth. Feeding raw bones is a great way to keep your pet’s teeth clean but does carry a small risk of fracturing teeth, intestinal obstruction or constipation so is no longer considered the best dental preventive. You should avoid very hard bones like beef femurs, and any split long bones, which are more likely to fracture the teeth.  Never feed cooked bones.  It is still possible for raw bones to get wedged in your pet’s mouth – across the roof of the mouth or over the molar teeth. This is uncommon, and easily fixed – just pull it out – or if you can’t, come down to the clinic and we’ll do it for you.

Antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian in cases of moderate to severe periodontitis and gingivitis. They kill bacteria on the teeth and gums, but are not a cure in themselves. They are often used in combination with other veterinary dental procedures.

Teeth brushing and dental care products are important for the prevention of dental disease.  But they may not remove existing tartar.  This often requires veterinary attention.

By Macarthur Veterinary Group

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