Dental Care For Pets: Where Do I Start?

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by Brooke Ann Lipinski | Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

Dental care in pets is considerably one of the most undereducated topics for pet owners on a global scale, with approximately 80% of canines and 70% of felines exhibiting signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Brooke dives into the basics of dental care for your companion, and what you can do to ensure their long-term health and comfort.

As pet owners, we want to ensure we do everything in our power to protect our pet’s health, comfort, and happiness. We are often well-educated on the importance of establishing primary veterinary care with our pets, and prioritize annual or bi-annual visits with their veterinarian. While routine physical examinations, vaccinations, annual diagnostics (such as bloodwork and urinalysis), and a balanced diet are key components of their care, dental health is often overlooked, largely due to a lack of community education on the importance of this aspect of our pet’s health. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems, including infections and potential damage to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Some specific health problems, infections, and organ damage associated with dental diseases include, but are not limited to:

  • Periodontal Disease: This is the most common dental disease in pets and can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums. Untreated periodontal disease can progress to bone loss around the teeth and tooth loss (American Veterinary Dental College, n.d.).

  • Bacterial Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, leading to systemic infections. This can result in conditions like endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, and other serious infections in organs like the liver and kidneys (Mason, 2021).

  • Tooth Abscesses: When a tooth becomes infected, an abscess can form, leading to severe pain and swelling. If not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body (Gordon, 2022).

  • Liver Disease: The bacteria and toxins from dental infections can negatively impact liver function, leading to liver disease over time (Thomas, 2022).

  • Kidney Disease: Chronic dental disease has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease. Bacteria from the mouth can lead to kidney infections or contribute to the progression of pre-existing kidney problems (Schneider, 2020).

  • Respiratory Infections: In some cases, bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia or other respiratory infections (Mason, 2021).

  • Oral Tumors: Chronic inflammation from untreated dental disease can lead to the development of oral tumors, which may require surgical intervention and can be malignant (Gordon, 2022).

Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Veterinary professionals recommend regular dental check-ups as part of routine veterinary care. These check-ups allow for professional cleanings and early detection of dental issues. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help mitigate the risk of developing severe dental problems and can ultimately save pet owners from costly treatments in the future (Thomas, 2022).

At-Home Dental Care

While professional veterinary care is essential, pet owners can also take proactive measures at home to maintain their pet’s dental health. Here are some key strategies:

  1. Daily Brushing: The gold standard for maintaining oral hygiene is daily brushing. Use a toothpaste specifically designed for pets, as human toothpaste can be harmful to them. Pounce! recommends Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste for felines and canines. Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste is effective because it utilizes a unique enzymatic formula that helps break down plaque and tartar while also neutralizing harmful bacteria in your pet's mouth, promoting overall oral health without the need for foaming agents (Gordon, 2021; Virbac, n.d.). This toothpaste is specially formulated for pets and is safe for swallowing, making it an excellent choice for maintaining dental hygiene in dogs and cats.

  2. Dental Chews and Toys: In pairing with a regular brushing routine, providing dental chews or toys can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. These products often have the added benefit of satisfying a pet's chewing instinct, which is particularly beneficial for dogs. Owners should be aware, however, that in advanced stages of periodontal disease, offering these kinds of treats may be painful for your companion, due to pain affiliated with chewing harder foods at the affected site in the mouth.

  3. Regular Monitoring: Pet owners should regularly check their pets’ mouths for any signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, swollen gums, or loose teeth. Early detection can lead to better outcomes.

  4. Dental Diets: Speak with your veterinarian about if a speciality Dental Care Diet is right for your pet. Certain diets are formulated to promote oral health. Discussing these options with a veterinarian can help pet owners choose the best food for their furry companions.

Prioritizing dental care for our pets is essential for their oral hygiene, and moreover, for their overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that neglecting dental health can lead to serious consequences, including periodontal disease, systemic infections, and damage to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys (Gordon, 2022; Thomas, 2022). By implementing a regular dental care routine that includes professional veterinary check-ups and at-home hygiene practices, pet owners can significantly enhance their pets' quality of life. Investing time and effort into your pet's dental health today will yield long-term benefits, ensuring they enjoy a happier, healthier life by your side.

References

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