Why Does My Pet Need Dental Care?

Your pet needs proper dental care for the same reasons you do. Without it, tartar can buildup on the teeth and cause bad breath, inflamed gums, loose teeth, difficulty eating and infections of the liver, heart and kidneys.

What Are Normal Teeth Made Of?

Both dogs and cats have four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars. Cats have a total of 30 permanent teeth while dogs have 42. A normal tooth consists of a crown and a root.

What Do Normal Mouths and Gums Look Like?

Healthy teeth are white with pink gums attached firmly and evenly to them.  The breath should have an acceptable odor.

What Causes Dental Problems?

Plaque is a combination of food, bacteria and saliva that builds up on your pet's teeth. Unless it is removed by brushing, plaque will eventually harden to form calculus. It is this hard calculus that irritates the gums causing them to become red and inflamed. This condition is called gingivitis. If the condition is allowed to continue it will eventually cause periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the structures that support the teeth. It is this that causes the gums to separate from the teeth which not only causes loose teeth, but also allows bacteria to reach the tooth roots and enter the bloodstream.

What Does A Dental Cleaning Involve?

Your pet will be anesthetized or asleep, during the procedure. This allows for a complete and thorough cleaning that is most comfortable for your pet. First, the hard calculus is removed and the teeth are cleaned above and below the gumline. Any teeth that are too badly infected to save will be removed at this time. Finally, the teeth are polished and treated with fluoride.

What Can I Do At Home to Care for My Pet's Teeth?

ldeally you should begin brushing your pet's teeth while he or she is still young, it is never too late to start. After a thorough dental cleaning is also an excellent time to begin. To begin, wrap a gauze square around your index finger. Begin rubbing the front teeth and work back toward the molars or cheek teeth. You only need to brush the surfaces that face outward, because the tongue will do the job for you on the inside. Cat owners may find it easier to begin rubbing the back teeth and work toward the front teeth as this motion is similar to the way cats rub against things. The cloth can be dipped into tuna fish juice to make it more acceptable to the cat. When your pet is used to this, you may switch to a soft toothbrush and a veterinary toothpaste or liquid. There are a number of different types of toothpastes available. Ask your veterinarian which is right for you. Human toothpaste should not be used because it can cause foaming at the mouth and an upset stomach. You should brush your pet’s teeth two to three times a week and you should pay particular attention to the area where tooth and gum meet.

How Does What I Feed My Pet Affect It's Teeth?

Unmoistened dry foods are the best for your pet’s teeth because they are rough and help remove plaque. Canned and semi-moist foods often stick to the teeth and get packed into the crevices of the teeth which allows bacteria to grow and plaque to form. Hard rubber chew toys and rawhide chews are also good for your pet's teeth and gums. They exercise the gums and help remove plaque. Other items such as steak bones, wood or stones should not be given as they tend to break teeth and can cause serious stomach and intestinal problems if swallowed.