Dentistry is a critically important and often neglected area of animal health care. Dog and cat teeth are prone to many of the same maladies as suffered by humans.
Animals present to animal clinics every day with varying levels of periodontal disease. While the outward symptoms vary widely, many animals (especially cats) are experts at masking their pain. It is imperative to treat dental disease in order to alleviate pain, and to prevent or stop infection from spreading from the mouth to the major organs of the body such as the liver, kidneys or even the heart.
Home care and veterinary dentistry are both essential components of oral health maintenance. The home care program varies depending on the owner’s commitment and the animal’s cooperation. Ask your veterinarian how to start a home dental care program today.
- GOOD – dental chews: Chlorhexidine coated digestible chews will stimulate the gums and control bacterial growth in the mouth; dogs love ’em. Also available for cats.
- BETTER – daily oral disinfectant rinse: Controls bacterial growth and thus prevents or controls periodontal disease.
- BEST – brushing correctly…every day. Stimulates the gingiva & removes plaque before it turns to tartar
Competent veterinarian dentistry always involves the use of general anesthesia, even for the well-behaved pet. A thorough examination of the teeth should also involve charting and radiographs. The frequency of dental cleaning depends on the species, size, breed and level of home care, but much individual variation exists. In general, most dogs and cats need their teeth professionally cleaned by two years of age and once a year thereafter.
Go ahead, lift the lip, look at their teeth, and smell if you dare. Chances are, a dental care program will make your pet happier and healthier.
Laura E. Bogert, DVM
(This article first appeared in the September 2007 issue of Florida Pet Pages.)
