This Pet Pointer is brought to you by : Eastwood Street Veterinary Clinic Eastwood St Ballarat :: Phone (03) 5331 1918 www.eastwoodvet.com.au

Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Just as with humans, plaque and tartar can build up on your pet’s teeth causing bad breath, gingivitis and periodontal disease. More than 80% of dogs and cats over the age of four years have some form of dental disease and, just like in humans, the main cause is a build up of plaque due to poor oral hygiene. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar – a hard yellow-brown substance. This build up of plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and eventually periodontal disease may develop. Periodontal disease is a painful inflammatory condition where bacteria invade the gums and tissues which hold the teeth in place, damaging them and ultimately leading to tooth loss. These bacteria can also invade the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to the internal organs, in particular the lungs, heart, kidney and liver.

Some factors which contribute to your pet developing dental disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene – plaque and tartar build up.
• Breed – overcrowded or misaligned teeth can more easily trap food particles or cause ineffective chewing. This is often a problem in the smaller breeds of dog. Some breeds of cat are more predisposed to periodontal disease.
•  Food – feeding a predominately soft food diet can result in a more rapid accumulation of plaque.
• Age – dental disease occurs more commonly in the older animal.

An examination and assessment by your vet is the best way to determine if your pet has dental disease. However, there are some signs of dental disease that you may have already noticed in your pet:

• Bad breath
•  Tartar build up causing yellowing of teeth
•  Bleeding gums
•  Pain when eating or pawing at the mouth
•  Change of chewing or eating habits
•  Tooth loss
•  Subdued behaviour
•  Dribbling saliva

In severe cases, the vet may advise extraction of loose or damaged teeth. In early dental disease – a clean and scale to remove plaque, tartar and staining may be all that is required – just as your dentist might perform when you have a dental appointment. For these procedures to be as effective and safe as possible, your pet will usually be given a general anaesthetic. Depending on the condition of your pet’s teeth, the vet will recommend professional cleaning/scaling every six to 18 months.

Following initial treatment, your pet’s teeth can be kept healthier for longer by starting a regular cleaning program. Feeding raw meaty bones and specially designed dental foods can help. Special toothbrushes and toothpastes or gels are available for dogs and cats over the counter at the vet. Puppies and kittens will quickly get used to having their mouth checked and teeth brushed – start by rubbing a finger over the teeth and gums with flavoured water. Gradually start brushing using wet gauze on the finger at first, then upgrade to a finger toothbrush or a bristle brush designed for dogs and cats, using a pet toothpaste or gel. Brush at least two to three times a week. Some animals which are prone to having dental disease require daily brushing.

Starting early and getting into the routine of cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly will keep your pet happier and healthier for a much longer period of time and also make them a lot sweeter smelling to have around.