Dental care plays an important role in your pet’s overall health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we wanted to take a moment to share our veterinarians’ advice for achieving better dental health for your pet.
Why Does Dental Care Matter for Pets?
By 3 years of age, most dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease.* With periodontal disease may come other potential health problems—and not just in the pet’s mouth. Besides gum recession, infection, and tooth loss, periodontal disease can cause changes in the heart, kidneys, and liver.
When dental care isn’t prioritized, pets may need more than just a cleaning. Dental extractions may be required to remove affected teeth, relieve pain and inflammation, and make a pet’s mouth healthy again.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Plaque forms on teeth (pet and human alike) constantly. When it’s not removed regularly (through brushing), it changes into hardened tartar, which can’t be brushed away. Plaque continues to form on top of the tartar.
Did you know? Plaque changes into hardened tartar within about 24 hours.
Eventually, if these layers of bacteria-laden tartar aren’t removed through a professional veterinary cleaning, the pet will end up with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which will progress to infection and loss of tooth support (advanced periodontal disease) if unchecked.
What are Signs of Dental Trouble in Pets?
Unless your pet just chowed down on tuna or something else smelly, bad breath isn’t normal. It’s almost always a sign of oral issues. Contact your Jacksonville vet if you notice any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Brown or yellow teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Broken or loose teeth
- Retained baby teeth
- Reluctance or refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Chewing oddly
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Sneezing
What Steps Can I Take to Keep My Pet’s Mouth Healthy?
1. Schedule Professional Dental Care
Bringing your pet in for regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings is the first step to achieving better dental health for your dog or cat.
2. Prioritize Home Care
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the cornerstone of dental care and one of the most important steps you can take to help keep periodontal disease at bay. After your pet’s vet gives your pet a dental exam (and cleaning, if needed), you’re ready to get started:
- Use pet toothpaste and either a pet-specific toothbrush or an appropriately sized human toothbrush (kid-sized for cats and small dogs and a soft-bristled adult one for medium and large dogs).
- Ideally, begin a brushing routine when your pet is young. Older pets can also learn to enjoy (or at least tolerate) brushing, especially if you ease into it.
- Keep sessions short, especially at first.
- Build up to brushing all of your pet’s teeth. Aim for 1 to 2 minutes once a day.
- Ask your Jacksonville vet for additional tips.
Never use human toothpaste in pets! It contains ingredients that can make your pet sick.
3. Choose Other Dental Options
Although daily brushing is ideal, we understand that it may not always be possible. Fortunately, you have a number of dental products to choose from that can also help control plaque and tartar buildup in your pet:
- Dental diets and chews
- Dental toys
- Oral rinses and sprays
- Drinking water additives
- Dental sealants (which your pet’s vet will apply first, after a cleaning, and then needs to be reapplied at home)
Not all dental products are created equal. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance, and ask us what products we recommend.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Checkup With Your Jacksonville Veterinarian
At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we recommend a dental exam at least once a year for most cats and dogs. We’ll examine your pet’s teeth and gums and let you know what we recommend to maintain or improve your pet’s oral health.
We can also take x-rays that will show a true picture of what your pet’s teeth look like under the gums—not just on the surface. That way, you’ll know your pet is getting the individual attention and care that he or she needs.
Schedule your pet’s dental appointment today.
*American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Pet dental care. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care. Accessed January 17, 2020.
