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Dental health, unfortunately often neglected in pets, is crucial to offering your pet a better quality of life. Did you know that periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats? Indeed, poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar build-up, followed by inflammation, infection, gingivitis, gum recession, tooth resorption and, in more serious cases, tooth loss. These pathologies can be very painful, can affect your pet's diet and may eventually have adverse effects on other organs.
To find out if your pet is suffering from periodontal disease, look out for these signs: does your pet have constant bad breath or excessive saliva? Does he have difficulty eating or chewing his food? Have you noticed any recent weight loss or change in eating habits? When you look into your pet's mouth, do you notice red or swollen gums, blood, or broken or loose teeth? Do you notice the presence of plaque or tartar?
The best approach is to contact your veterinarian to schedule a complete dental check-up. If you have any doubts or concerns about your pet's oral health, don't hesitate to ask your vet for advice! He or she will be able to give you the most appropriate recommendations for your pet's dental health, including the best way to brush your dog's or cat's teeth.
Thanks to Neovet's virtual veterinary clinic, you can also get advice directly online on how to look after your companion's oral health.
What is dental plaque and tartar?
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, whitish to yellowish layer of bacteria, saliva and food debris that settles on teeth in as little as 24 hours! However, it is then thin enough to be eliminated by good dental care practices.
Dental tartar, on the other hand, is a hardened accumulation of plaque that is not removed regularly. Indeed, if plaque is not removed by brushing or proper dental care, it becomes mineralized with salts contained in saliva and turns into tartar in just a few days. Tartar accumulates mainly at the base of the teeth, close to the gums, encouraging the onset of periodontal disease, and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Prevention
Here's how every owner can prevent their pet's dental health from deteriorating. The first recommendation is always to brush your pet's teeth regularly, around 3 to 4 times a week, as brushing is by far the most effective form of preventive care. This should be done with an enzymatic toothpaste and toothbrush specially designed for animals. However, it's often difficult to get your furry friend to cooperate when it's time to brush. So there are other options available to help prevent plaque build-up. In particular, opting for kibbles formulated to reduce plaque and dental treats that encourage chewing and limit tartar build-up is a solution that pets generally tolerate much better. You can also add water additives, gels, sprays or dental wipes to your pet's routine, all specifically designed to reduce and control plaque and tartar build-up. Look for the VOHC seal of approval on food and other dental products. The Veterinary Oral Health Counsel (VOHC) is a trusted entity recognized in the veterinary world. The VOHC only approves products that are considered safe for pets and have proven their effectiveness in managing and reducing plaque and tartar build-up. Avoiding overfeeding treats, liquid food or pate can also help reduce the rate of tartar formation. Finally, it's vital to make an appointment with your vet for a dental check-up at least once a year to treat any potential dental problems as soon as they appear. Remember: prevention is better than cure!
Treatment
If your pet already suffers from periodontal disease, it's crucial not to neglect its treatment to prevent it from worsening. Indeed, once periodontal disease has set in, the only way to treat it effectively is with dental care performed by your veterinarian. Many people ask why scaling must be carried out under anaesthetic and by a veterinarian. The answer lies in the fact that the most important step in scaling is to remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line, which cannot be accomplished while the animal is awake. What's more, only a veterinarian, with a sleeping animal, can properly polish the teeth, which is essential to avoid a rough surface that would promote plaque adhesion. Although dental care can be costly, it can effectively treat visible dental problems and detect any hidden problems, such as teeth requiring extraction, thanks to dental X-rays and the veterinarian's expertise.
