Dental care is something all of our family members should have access to, and the family pet is no exception. Proper dental care benefits not only our pets' social acceptability, but also their health. That "doggy or kitty breath" you've been noticing lately isn't something to be ignored. Many times it is a warning signal of serious health problems. Excessive tartar buildup, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral tumors are just some of the conditions that begin with bad breath in our canine and feline friends. Conditions which can only be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. There are things we can do as responsible pet owners to reduce the risk of serious oral disease in our four-legged companions, however.

Good dental care begins in puppy and kittenhood. Proper diet and visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and physical exams, including dental exams, will ensure that your puppy's or kitten's teeth are strong and healthy. Just as baby humans teethe, so do baby dogs and cats, and it is important that as the puppy or kitten matures and begins to get adult teeth, that the baby teeth are shed. It is very common for deciduous, or baby teeth, to be retained even after the adult teeth come in. In many cases, this can cause the adult teeth to grow into the mouth at odd angles, affecting not only the bite but also the rate at which the teeth collect tartar. Your veterinarian can remove the offending baby teeth if the puppy or kitten is not able to shed them on its own. Your veterinarian can also recommend a regimen of home dental care to help prevent dental disease. Many products are available, such as toothpaste, oral sprays, pads and many styles of brushes, to aid in proper dental hygiene for pets. Remember to use only products approved for animal use. Human toothpaste can cause a foaming effect in a pet's mouth that makes teeth brushing an experience that you won't easily repeat. Also, human toothbrushes tend to be much too hard for pet use. Toothbrushes made especially for pets are easily obtained through your veterinarian.

Dental care for pets should continue for the entire life of the pet. In fact, as the pet approaches its senior years, it is more important than ever that dental exams be performed at least annually. Unfortunately, no matter how attentive you are to your pet's dental care at home, nothing prevents the accumulation of tartar forever. Middle-age is usually the time that most pets receive their first dental cleaning at the veterinary hospital. When that happens, your veterinarian will generally recommend that you hospitalize your pet for the day. Since we can't explain to the pet that it needs to keep its mouth open for the duration of the procedure without moving, it is necessary that the pet receive a general anesthesia so that the cleaning can be properly performed. Usually a registered, licensed or certified veterinary technician will perform the routine dental cleanings, but occasionally the veterinarian does this. These professionals understand the importance of removing the tartar that forms on all sides of the tooth as well as under the gumline and the need to polish the teeth after cleaning to help delay the formation of more tartar.

After the cleaning, and in some instances before the cleaning takes place, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for your pet to prevent and control infections. It is important to remember that any bacteria found in the mouth ultimately reach other internal organs such as the kidneys, liver and even the heart. It is not uncommon for pets with unchecked dental infections to suffer from kidney and liver disease. Pets with heart disease may even experience a worsening in their conditions due to poor dental hygiene.

Preventing dental disease and prompt treatment by qualified individuals when it occurs will not only ensure that your pet leads a healthier life, but will allow you to enjoy your best friend and companion for many years to come. For more information on how you can take an active part in your pet's good health, consult your veterinarian.

Linda J. Jackson, R.V.T., December 1999

Linda Jackson has been a Registered Veterinary Technician at Conneaut Animal Hospital in Ohio since 1976.  She also is very active in the Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians, where she held the position of President for the past two years.  For a profile of Linda, click here.