Protecting Your Pet's Smile
Are you brushing your pet's teeth? If not, you are missing a very important step in keeping him healthy. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show some degree of oral disease by three years of age.
Most people brush their own teeth daily and visit their dentist twice a year for a thorough dental examination and cleaning. Our pets are prone to the same oral hygiene and health issues that we are and therefore should receive the same level of dental care.
Bacteria is constantly accumulating on your pet's teeth and around the gumline. If this bacteria (plaque) is not cleaned or brushed off of the tooth within 24 to 36 hours, it will start to mineralize into something called calculus or tartar. Calculus then leads to gingivitis (inflamed gum tissue) and eventually to periodontitis (characterized by tooth and bone loss).
Not only is this painful for your pet, but there are internal consequences to an unhealthy mouth. The overgrowth of bacteria gain access to the bloodstream through the inflamed gums and can damage the kidneys, heart and liver. Watch your pet for signs such as bad breath, drooling and difficulty chewing.
The most important steps you can take to prevent oral disease include daily tooth brushing and biannual dental examinations by a veterinarian. Your vet will recommend professional dental cleanings as needed. This simple outpatient procedure involves general anesthesia and a day at the veterinary hospital.
Tooth Brushing: An Activity You Can Share With Your Pet!
Brushing your pet's teeth is easiest if you start when they are young. Never use human toothpaste because it is toxic to dogs and cats. Use a veterinary product and start by using your finger to apply the paste to all surfaces of the tooth, focusing on the inside (closest to the tongue).
Spend approximately 30 seconds on each side of the mouth. Once the pet has accepted your finger, switch to a soft-bristled child's toothbrush. Hartz sells an electric toothbrush for dogs. Commit yourself to 60 seconds per day and work it into your morning or evening routine (perhaps after your own dental hygiene ritual to help you remember).
Special diets and treats to prevent bacterial buildup are also very effective. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards a Seal of Acceptance to products shown to be effective for plaque and calculus prevention. Check out their website for a list of approved diets and treats at www.vohc.org
Recent advances in veterinary dentistry include a vaccine that can be administered to dogs to prevent periodontal colonization by the most common canine oral bacteria, the Porphyromonas group. Many veterinarians also recommend the use of an at-home sealant called OraVet that owners can apply to the teeth once per week to prevent plaque build-up. This product is meant to be combined with daily brushing to keep the mouth clean.
Biannual veterinary exams will detect problems early and tell you when professional cleanings are required. Between visits, brushing your pet's teeth daily may prolong their life. It will also make them more comfortable and equate to lower veterinary bills... having a pet with fresh breath and a winning smile is not bad either!
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