Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental
Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
Pets need dental care, too!
Dental disease is the most common health issue in pets, affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats. Yes, you really can brush your pet’s teeth. It’s not that hard! (We can teach you if you need help)
Does your pet’s mouth smell eww?
Odor can signal serious health problems. A pet’s periodontal disease could lead to pain and tooth loss.Toy breeds may be more prone to dental disease. And 70% of cats over 4 have dental disease. It’s so important for your pet to receive proper dental care. Always check your pet’s mouth. Dry food may help your pet control tarter, but never use human toothpaste on your pet! It can be toxic if they swallow it.
Common mouth myths: True or False?
1. Pets are supposed to have bad breath. FALSE.
An odour is not normal. Just like in people, bad breath in pets is often a sign of dental disease and requires treatment to safeguard your pets health.
2. Pets don’t need regular oral hygiene. FALSE.
Even with regular cleanings at your veterinary practice, your pet still needs regular tooth brushing to keep his breath sweet and his pearly whites sparkling.
3. Pet’s mouths clean themselves. FALSE.
While there are natural enzyme systems at work in your pet’s mouth, it will not keep your pets mouth clean. Debris builds up on your pets teeth which requires brushing or rubbing to keep the mouth fresh.
4. Cats don’t need dental care. FALSE.
Cats and small breed dogs require more dental care then larger-breed dogs.
5. Cats have stinky breath because they eat stinky food. FALSE.
An odour in the cat’s mouth is a sign of a health problem, and you should discuss your pet’s problem with your veterinarian.
Prevention: the best medicine
You can prevent bad breath and dental disease with regular oral care. Your veterinarian recommends daily tooth brushing. This is the best way to keep your pets mouth healthy. You may also use
We use dental X-rays to diagnose periodontal disease and make a proper treatment plan
daily oral hygiene rinses, dental diets, water adhesives, and safe chew toys to keep your pets mouth clean.
Signs your pet is suffering from dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Red gums (healthy gums are pink, shrimp-like colour)
- Pus oozing from gums
- Facial swelling
- Yellow or brownish build up on teeth
- Pain
Another clue that your pet may be in pain is it goes to the food bowl backs away as if scared or drops food from its mouth.
Treatments: what we will do
Our veterinarian will conduct a thorough head to toe exam as well as a comprehensive oral exam.
If the doctor identifies signs of dental disease, he or she may recommend preanesthetic testing.
This may include blood work to see whether your pet is a candidate for anaesthesia. It is necessary for your pet to be anaesthetized for our veterinarian to fully diagnose the source of the problem and take steps to correct it.
Remember, untreated dental problems in pets have been linked to serious medical problems, including heart, liver, and kidney disease; schedule an appointment with our hospital.
To book a dental check up for your pet, please call: 905-303-0322.