Keeping Your Pet's Teeth Clean Is Important to Their Overall Health

 

February is Pet Dental Month – schedule your veterinary dental appointment today!

  Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn’t brush them for years – or even for just a couple of weeks. Your pet’s teeth are no different. Unless you regularly provide some form of dental care, you are ignoring an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellness.

Ever since cats and dogs became domesticated, their natural source of “dental floss” and teeth cleaning – their prey – has been in large part removed from their diet. Canned and dried foods, the nutritional replacement for your pet’s traditional diet, simply cannot provide the same level of oral hygiene and most pets suffer the consequences.

Dental disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and is by far the most common major health problem of cats and dogs. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years old.

It starts with a build-up of plaque. Plaque eventually turns to tarter and quickly forms small pockets where an animal’s gums meet its teeth. The gums can separate from the tooth and this allows more bacteria and food to accumulate. This build-up leads to periodontal disease, which can allow bacteria to now enter the bloodstream leading to more serious health problems including heart, lung, and kidney disease if left untreated.

Symptoms of dental disease may include:

• Bad breath
• Lethargy, inactivity, or depression
• Poor grooming
• Salivating
• Gums may be red, swollen, and even bleed
• Decreased or loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dropping food from mouth while eating
• Facial swelling
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Pawing at the face
• Teeth becoming loose or falling out

The key to managing dental disease is prevention. The American Animal Hospital Association Dental Care Guidelines recommends regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. AAHA recommends these procedures at least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at two years of age for large-breed dogs.

Daily tooth brushing is the best way to slow (and possibly prevent) the recurrence of dental problems. Feeding dry dental diets or dental chews may slow, but not prevent, the development of recurrent periodontal disease. Daily use of products that have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of product approval may help you use the most effective products to keep your pet’s teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone around the roots healthy.

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Source: http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/small-animal/community-practice/Pages/pet-dental-health.aspx

Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

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Companion piece to Veterinary Q & A: Dental Care for Pets

Please see the archive for more Q & A topics.

Bad breath in pets, particularly dogs, is often joked about, but it is not a laughing matter. Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three, and just like humans, there can be serious consequences of poor dental health.

How many teeth do dogs and cats have?

Dogs start out with 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, cats start out with 26 deciduous teeth.

By six months of age, these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, 42 in the dog and 30 in the cat.

Will I find the baby teeth, and what happens when they don't fall out on their own?

You may or may not find the teeth as they fall out. As dogs play and chew on toys, you might see a tooth. Likewise, as a cat grooms, you may find a tooth in the fur.

If the deciduous teeth don't fall out and the permanent teeth erupt under them, this can lead to problems, such as increased tartar formation, malocclusion problems, and gingival (gum) irritation. These retained teeth are usually removed at the time of spay or neuter uneventfully.

When should dental care start with my pet?

The earlier the better. With the help of your Veterinarian, be on the lookout for retained deciduous teeth and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. Your Veterinarian can teach you how to care for your pet's teeth and gums early on.

How can I tell if my pet has a dental problem?

Bad breath is often the first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth.

Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys, "chattering" of the teeth when trying to eat, lethargy, bleeding gums, eroded teeth, and failing to groom (cats).

The dental disease progresses in stages -- if caught early, you can prevent further damage and save as many teeth as possible.

How is the rest of the body affected by bad teeth?

Infected gums and teeth aren't just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can 'seed' to other parts of the body. With regular dental care, you can prevent some of these more serious side effects.

Where should I start?

With a new puppy or kitten, talk to your veterinarian at the vaccination appointments on how to initiate a good dental care program at home. Most veterinarians are happy to provide brushing lessons, and many carry brushes and toothpaste specifically for dogs and cats. (NOTE: do not use human toothpaste on your pet!)

If your pet is an adult over 3 years of age, it would be wise to schedule a dental check-up with your veterinarian. If a dental cleaning is necessary, it is advisable to do pre-anesthesia blood work to make sure your pet does not have any underlying problems.

My pet needs a dental cleaning -- what is involved with that?

As mentioned above, pre-dental bloodwork is recommended.

This is a check on the overall health of the pet to make sure that liver, kidneys, and blood counts are within normal ranges and to reduce any risks possible prior to the anesthesia. Many pets with bad teeth will be put on an antibiotic a few days prior to the dental to calm the infection and reduce the possibility of complications.

Your pet will be fasted from the evening before for the anesthesia. The dental itself is similar to a human dental cleaning - tartar removal, checking for cavities, gingival (gum) pockets, removal of loose or fractured teeth, any growths on the gums or palate, removal of diseased teeth, and finally, polishing. The polishing is to smooth the tooth after tartar removal, as the tartar pits the tooth. A smooth tooth will not encourage tartar formation as easily as a roughened tooth.

With good dental care, your pet can enjoy a long and healthy life.

Updated 10/23/17

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Source: https://www.thespruce.com/dental-care-for-pets-3384215

Smile! It’s National Pet Dental Health Month

Most of us don’t think twice about brushing our own teeth. It’s just a part of our daily routine that we wouldn’t dream of missing. But when it comes to our four-legged friends, it can be easy to forget that dental health is important for them, too. That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month in February. It’s a gentle reminder to pet parents to pay extra attention to Fido’s chompers.

“One of the most common problems veterinarians see in pets is dental disease,” Dr. Clark K. Fobian, president of the AVMA, said in a press release. “Unfortunately, these issues can get serious if untreated. I remind pet owners that an untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening.”

If you notice any of the following symptoms, AVMA recommends taking your pet to the vet immediately:

• Red swollen gums and brownish teeth.
• Bad breath—Most pets have breath that is less than fresh, but if it becomes truly repugnant, similar to the smell of a rotten egg, it’s a sign that periodontal disease has already started.
• Bleeding from the mouth.
• Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth.
• Reluctance to eat hard foods—for example, picking it up and then spitting it out.

Proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups can go a long way toward keeping problems at bay, including:

Professional dental cleanings

These cleanings, which include scaling and polishing the teeth, are considered the “gold standard” in pet dental health. They are done in your veterinarian’s office under general anesthesia, and the frequency depends on your dog. Some dogs accumulate tartar and plaque more quickly than others.

Anesthesia-free dental cleanings

While these types of cleanings aren’t typically as thorough as those with anesthesia, they may be a way to lengthen the time between deep cleanings. They can also be a good alternative for pets who are unable to tolerate anesthesia due to other health issues.

Feed high quality food and treats

In the same way what we consume has an effect on our teeth (think candy and soda), what a dog eats can have an effect on theirs. While we all crave a little “junk food” every once in a while, focus on feeding your pet food and treats made with high quality, natural ingredients. Try to stay away from those that are packed with fillers.

Non-Edible Bones and Chews

These products, readily available in most pet supply stores, satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew in addition to promoting better dental hygiene. They are often long-lasting and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Supervise your dog carefully and dispose of any chew that becomes excessively worn or broken.

Tooth Brushing

With patience and gentleness, most dogs and cats can be taught to tolerate having their teeth brushed. You may have to experiment with the type of brush you use. Some fit on the end of your fingers, some have multiple brush heads, and some look like longer, thinner human toothbrushes. In addition, always use a toothpaste specifically designed for pets. Not only are they more palatable (meat-flavored toothpaste, yum!), they’re made with pet-friendly ingredients. Once a day brushings are ideal but aim for at least once a week.

Note: This article is not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Please discuss your pet’s dental health and the methods and products mentioned here with your veterinarian.

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Source: https://fullmoonpet.com/smile-national-pet-dental-health-month/

Top 5 Dental Conditions for Dogs and Cats

Insurance Data Reveals Common Oral Issues

The mouth is the source of many health issues for dogs and cats. In fact, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral and dental disease by age three. For cats, tooth infections are one of the top 10 reasons cats see vets each year.

It’s important for pets to have annual dental exams to ensure good health and prevent dental conditions that can be very painful. Nationwide pet insurance has listed the top 5 dental woes for dogs and cats based on policyholder claims submitted in 2016.

Top 5 Most Common Dental Conditions for Dogs

1. Periodontitis, tooth infection, cavitiy and/or abscess
2. Oral trauma or fractured tooth
3. Benign oral tumor
4. Gingivitis
5. Deciduous teeth or complications thereof

Top 5 Most Common Dental Conditions for Cats

1. Periodontitis, tooth infection, cavity or abscess
2. Gingivitis 
3. Tooth resorption
4. Oral trauma or fractured tooth
5. Ulcerative stomatitis

Periodontitis

Also known as gum disease, periodontitis is the leading oral condition for both dogs and cats. Nationwide pet policyholders filed $10.1 million in periodontitis claims for dogs and $1.3 million in claims for cats in 2016. This condition is also the No. 1 cause of tooth loss in pets.

Tooth Infection, Cavity or Abscess

Often caused as a secondary condition due to periodontitis, dog owners filed an average $341 in individual Nationwide pet insurance claims, while cat owners filed more than $376 in individualclaims during 2016. Tooth infections, cavities and abscesses are very painful conditions to pets. Routine brushing and bi-annual checkups can be preventative.

Oral Trauma or Fractured Tooth

Pets are notably orally fixated. Their mouths get a lot of wear and tear and, in the process, accidents happen. In 2016, dog owners filed more than $1.4 million and cat owners filed more than $71,000 in Nationwide pet insurance claims to treat oral trauma or fractured teeth.

Benign Oral Tumor

Oral tumors can grow inside your pet’s mouth, creating discomfort and potentially issues eating. The good news is that not all of them are cancerous. Dog owners filed more than $1.2 million in claims to treat benign oral tumors in 2016.

Malignant Oral Tumor

Oral melanoma is an aggressive oral cancer that typically begins with a tumor growth inside your pet’s mouth. This condition is unfortunately life threatening and requires immediate treatment in order to prolong your pet’s life and prevent the cancer from growing. In 2016, dog owners filed more than $1.4 million in claims to treat malignant oral tumors.

Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption is a dental abnormality technically referred to as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL). These lesions develop at the pet’s neck or at the base of a tooth and are similar to cavities. While occasionally seen in dogs they occur very frequently in cats. Cats typically "chatter" or vibrate their jaws which is an obvious sign of pain due to tooth resporption. Cat owners filed more than $181,000 in claims with Nationwide in 2016.

Ulcerative Stomatitis

By definition, ulcerative stomatitis is the inflammation of the mucus lining of a pet’s mouth. This condition is worse than gingivitis: it means your pet has a wide-spread infection in his mouth that may extend into deeper tissues. This is very painful; pet owners may notice their pets have trouble chewing, or that typical behavior such as grooming and social interaction has significantly changed. In 2016, cat owners filed nearly $70,000 in claims to treat ulcerative stomatitis.

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Source: https://phz8.petinsurance.com/pet-health/pet-dental-care/top-5-dental-conditions-for-dogs-and-cats

DIY DENTAL DOG TREATS | DIY Dog Treats | Snow Dogs Snacks 64 | Dental Chews

Wow, great pets :)

Dental Health Month

Take Care of Those Chompers

February is Pet Dental Health Month which means it’s a good time to take a look at your animal’s pearly whites. Studies show that two-thirds of our pets don’t get the dental maintenance they need to have healthy teeth.

The Alternative

To get your pet’s teeth cleaned professionally requires the animal to be put under general anesthesia which is costly and can be hard on our pets. To ensure your pet is healthy enough to be put under, there is an examination which may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• X-rays
• Electrocardiography

Luckily for us, there are many ways we can care for our pets at home. There are many varieties of toothpaste and brushes formulated specifically for dogs and cats. Ideally, teeth should be brushed every day or, at least, a few times a week. This can be time-consuming or with certain animals undoable so we carry a variety of alternatives to brushing that are also very effective.

Water Additives– You can add a product to your pet’s water that both freshens breath and keeps tarter as a film, preventing it from hardening into plaque.

Dental Treats– Treats can be great for allowing your dog to chew and scrape off the tarter and loosen anything stuck between teeth.

Chew Toys– Like dental treats, certain toys can be very beneficial for keeping teeth clean as well as stimulating gums, relieving stress, eliminating boredom, and providing a safe outlet for their natural desire to chew.

While February is dental health month, it is important to get into a regular dental regimen as a clean and healthy mouth is as important for them as it is for all of us. After all, isn’t that million dollar smile worth it?

 07 Feb 2017

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Source: https://zamzows.com/index.php/2017/02/07/dental-health-month/

Does Your Dog Have Periodontal Disease?

The Dangers of Gum Disease

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Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding a tooth (essentially, the tooth's support system). It can affect as little as one or two teeth or as much as a dog's whole mouth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to severe oral pain, loss of teeth, other dental diseases and a wide array of complications throughout the body. Proper dental care can prevent periodontal disease and is an important aspect of keeping your dog healthy.

Causes of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

The development of periodontal disease is a gradual process that begins with the formation of plaque on the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, a bacterial film that adheres to the teeth. Next, minerals in saliva harden the plaque into dental tartar (calculus), which becomes firmly attached to teeth. The plaque and tartar, both of which contain bacteria, spread under the gum line. The bacteria secrete toxins and cause damage to the supporting tissues around the tooth, creating a pocket around the tooth.

Certain dogs seem to have a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. This often relates to the dog's breed. Many small breed dogs, such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are especially prone to periodontal disease.

Canine Periodontal Disease Signs and Symptoms

The signs of periodontal disease may vary based on the severity of the disease. They may also vary from dog to dog.

The first thing most people will notice is halitosis. Contrary to what many people believe, dogs are not supposed to have bad breath. This is a sign of dental diseasethat should be addressed right away. Dogs with advanced periodontal disease tend to have especially foul breath.

As periodontal disease progresses, so does oral pain.

Dogs may become reluctant or unable to chew food and treats. They may also lose interest in chew toys. Often, dogs will begin to salivate more than usual. The saliva may even be blood-tinged. Upon closer inspection of the teeth, you or your vet will notice gingivitis (inflammation/reddening of the gums) at the very least. As periodontal disease advances, teeth will eventually become loose.

Periodontal disease is diagnosed and numbered from one to four (based on severity):

• Grade I: the earliest form of the disease, when only gingivitis is present.
• Grade II, III and IV: Periodontitis (loss of bone and soft tissue around teeth) is present and gets more severe in higher grades.
• Grade IV: The most advanced stage; loss of more than half of the tooth's supportive structures is noted.

Risks of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

In the mouth, periodontal disease causes damage to gum tissue and bone around the teeth, leading to loss of these tissues. In addition, periodontal disease can also cause the following problems to occur in the mouth:

• Development of a hole (fistula) from the oral cavity into the nasal passages causing nasal discharge
• Weakening of the jaw bone that can lead to fractures
• Bone infection

However, it is important to understand that periodontal disease can lead to other major health problems throughout the body, including the following:

• Heart Disease
• Kidney Dz
• Liver Disease
• Diabetes
• Various infections

Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Tartar build-up and gingivitis start in the early stages of dental disease. These can be cured with a professional dental cleaning, home care and a little healing time. However, there is no cure for periodontal disease. Once dental disease progresses to periodontal disease, the bone surrounding the teeth begins to destruct. This bone loss cannot be undone. Fortunately, it can be treated to slow the progression of the periodontal disease.

No matter the grade of periodontal disease, the first and most important treatment step is a professional dental cleaning.

This procedure must be done under general anesthesia. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians can get a better look at the teeth and accurately assess the stage of the disease. Many vet offices are now performing digital dental x-rays, which are extremely valuable when it comes to making an accurate diagnosis and treating accordingly.

A thorough cleaning of the teeth can be done, including the subgingival surfaces of the teeth (under the gum). Be wary of places offering "anesthesia-free dentistry." A thorough dental cleaning and periodontal treatment cannot be done if the pet is awake, no matter how well-behaved that pet may be.

Once your dog's teeth are clean, your job begins. Home dental care is essential for all dogs but is even more important for dogs with existing periodontal disease. The "gold standard" is daily brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste made especially for pets. However, this may not be a realistic option for you. As an alternative to daily brushing, you can try simply applying toothpaste to the dog's teeth daily. If daily care is still not an option, there are various topical gels that can be applied periodically (usually once a week). In addition, the are food and water additives on the market that change the chemistry of the dog's mouth, slowing the buildup of plaque and tartar. 

Be aware that not all dog dental products are created equal! Talk to your vet about products that have been proven effective and safe. You can also check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council for a list of approved products. The VOHC is similar to the American Dental Association, but for pets.

The best time to start a dental home care routine for your dog is the minute you bring him into your life. This will get your dog used to the process so it's not a struggle. It will also help prevent periodontal disease from starting in the first place. As with most diseases, prevention is key.

Updated 11/08/17

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/periodontal-disease-in-dogs-1117415

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Dental Care for Your Dog

Preventing Canine Dental Disease

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Dogs need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise, and routine grooming. Help keep your dog healthy: pay attention to those pearly whites!

Monitoring Your Dog’s Dental Health

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped! Your veterinarian will also take a look at your dog’s teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you keep up with these; visit your vet every 6-12 months for wellness check-ups. Contact your vet if any problems arise. Watch for the following signs:

• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Reluctance to chew or crying out when chewing
• Increased salivation
• Red and/or puffy gums
• Bleeding gums
• Tartar (calculus), a hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up

• Missing and/or loose teeth
• Anything else about the mouth that appears unusual

The Dangers of Dental Disease

Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, also called calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur.

However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth; they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!

Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs

There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life and stick with it.

Tooth brushing is the gold standard when it comes to oral hygiene and should be done every 24-48 hours in order to be effective. Start when your dog is a puppy so he gets used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be on a regular tooth brushing routine.

If you are unable or unwilling to brush your dog's teeth every day or two, look for an alternative, such as special dental chews or a food/water additive. Not all products are equally effective, so ask your vet for recommendations. Dental chews should be easily digestible and size-appropriate. Typically, they need to be given on a daily basis in order to be effective.

Food additives are generally used on a daily basis as well. If water additives are used, it is generally recommended that you change the water daily.

Most important of all: make sure you keep up with routine vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference.

Updated 10/03/17

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Source: https://www.thespruce.com/dental-care-for-your-dog-1117857