Like you, your furry companion needs appropriate dental care to maintain a happy and comfortable life. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). During this month, veterinarians across the United States highlight the importance of oral care in pets. The Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team knows oral health care is fundamental to pets’ overall well-being, and we want to ensure you understand the consequences if your pet develops dental disease.

Understanding dental disease in pets

Dental disease (i.e., periodontal or gum disease) is the most commonly documented medical problem in pets, affecting nearly all dogs and cats by 3 years of age. Although you may not see significant changes in the appearance of your furry pal’s chompers at first, bacteria and plaque can accumulate below the gumline, causing inflammation, infection, or bone loss. Left unchecked, these bacteria and the body’s immune response to them can lead to severe health problems in pets.

Gum disease’s first sign is often bad breath, a yellowish tooth discoloration, or a red inflamed line at the gumline. As a dental problem worsens, a pet may develop the following:

  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Reluctance to eat
  • Drooling
  • Swelling below the eye
  • Irritability
  • Social withdrawal

At-home dental care for pets

Regular toothbrushing with pet-safe toothpaste is a simple and effective way to prevent plaque buildup and help neutralize harmful bacteria. Your pet may need some time to become accustomed to the toothbrush, but most eventually tolerate the process when you make a point to keep each session positive and fun. Check out the AVMA National Pet Dental Health Month resources to learn how to brush your pet’s teeth.

If your pet will not tolerate toothbrushing or you can’t remember to do it every day, many other dental products are effective at reducing plaque and bacteria biofilms. Dental chews and water additives are popular options because they don’t require pet owners to manipulate their pet’s head or open their mouth. Look for products that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance on their label to ensure they are safe and effective for your furry pal.

Veterinary dental examinations and professional dental cleanings

Regular veterinary checkups include oral examinations, which are the best defense your pet has against dental disease. Identifying early dental disease signs on an exam will prompt our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team to recommend a professional pet dental cleaning to stop the disease from progressing and restore a pet’s teeth to their former glory. Your pet’s professional dental cleaning frequency depends on their size and genetics. Most small and flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds require frequent cleanings because their teeth are crowded and often misaligned, leading to an increased dental disease risk.

Pets undergoing professional dental cleanings must be anesthetized for their safety and comfort. Anesthesia allows us to work safely in your pet’s mouth without causing them stress or pain. During a cleaning, our team removes tartar, polishes your pet’s teeth, and addresses underlying dental issues with appropriate treatments. Dental X-rays are required to assess the tooth root and jawbone health and determine if any teeth are so diseased or damaged that they should be removed (i.e., extracted). Possible reasons for tooth extraction include bone loss, fractures, resorbing roots, resorptive lesions, and tooth infections.

Treating advanced dental disease in pets

Untreated dental disease can cause your pet pain and discomfort, impacting their overall well-being and quality of life. When dental disease goes untreated for years, your pet may not only experience pain but also potential major organ damage from bacteria spreading through the bloodstream. If we identify advanced disease during a routine exam, our team will recommend a thorough anesthetized cleaning, likely with multiple extractions to prevent diseased teeth from harming healthy neighbors. Your pet’s dental treatment may also include deep gum pocket cleaning and the application of long-acting antibiotic gels.

Your pet’s dental health is a vital component of their overall well-being. By practicing good dental home care, scheduling regular veterinary checkups, and scheduling your pet’s professional dental cleanings, you can maximize your furry pal’s oral health and overall happiness. Schedule your pet’s dental checkup or professional dental cleaning and assessment with our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team.