Dog Dental Care
By Dr. Amna Plummer, Critter Care Animal Hospital
Dogs and cats have many of the same dental problems that people have and a few new problems of their own. Plaque and tartar buildup occurs in pets just as in people. Periodontal disease is very common in pets and can decrease their quality of life, causes diseases through out the body and shortens their lifespan.
Plaque and tartar are made up of bacteria, saliva and elements from the foods they eat . It adheres to the teeth very strongly and loves to get into the little nooks and crannies of the mouth in between the teeth and between the teeth and gums. Did you know that are bodies contain millions of helpful and not so helpful bacteria, and that there are more bacteria in the mouth then in the rest of the entire body?
Once present, the tartar will start to cause the destruction of the bone which holds the teeth in place and will cause the gum to detach and recede along the root of the tooth. This can lead to loosening of the teeth, abscess, gum pain, and tooth loss. In addition, bacteria in the mouth can cause infections in other areas of the body. It is especially common to find urinary tract infections in pets who have dental diseases. Also, when gums are diseased they produce a chemical substance, which can damage heart valves. The bacteria present in plaque and tartar are also responsible for the bad breath in many animals.
It is strongly recommended that dogs older that two years of age, who are showing signs of dental disease, have their teeth cleaned by a veterinary professional. As dogs age, the need for dental care increases.
Each regular visit to the vet should include a complete oral health check up to determine if an animal has tartar build up or periodontitis and what the appropriate course of treatment should be. Veterinarians can help pet owners begin a pet dental care routine at home, and encourage them to continue regular veterinary check ups to monitor their pets’ oral health.
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Category: Health & Wellness
