Dental Care
by Patricia Feeser, DVM
Greenville Veterinary Hospital
Ever wonder how many teeth your pet has? Dogs have 42 permanent teeth,
and cats have 32. Because dogs and cats have a lot of teeth in a small
space, if they don't brush and floss after each meal, they can develop
plaque and tartar quickly. If these conditions are not corrected promptly,
they will progress to gum disease, infections, tooth loss and even bone
resorption resulting in fractured jaws.
Surveys show that 85% of dogs and cats by the age of two years have dental
disease. Why is this so concerning? The most common life-threatening
problem in our geriatric dogs is heart disease. For cats, it is kidney
disease. Both of these diseases are directly related to chronic dental
disease. So for your pet’s long-term health, you as the responsible
pet owner need to practice preventative care and allow routine dental
cleanings.
Animals that eat primarily dry kibbled food have a much slower rate of
tartar accumulation. Dry food in general will reduce the number of dental
cleanings required during your pet’s lifetime, but it will not eliminate
the need for them. Some dog food companies are marketing food with either
a tooth cleaning matrix or a plaque-reducing additive. There is an
enormous variety of chew toys, dental pastes, rinses, treats, etc. All are
designed to help slow down tartar buildup.
The single most effective preventative you can do for your pet’s
dental health is to brush their teeth. Use either a toddler’s
soft toothbrush or one specifically designed for pets. Never
use human toothpastes or baking soda - these products will
quickly erode the enamel that is much softer than the human enamel. Start
slow, be patient, and make this a positive experience for your pet. Reward
each small step with lavish praise.
If you have a puppy or kitten, start getting them used to your fingers
in their mouth. Once they have finished teething, you may start brushing.
If you start before that time, it may be uncomfortable for them. For older
pets, consult with your veterinarian about how and when to start. Usually
the best time is shortly after a dental cleaning. Do not try it if tartar
and gum disease are present.
How often should your pet’s teeth be cleaned? The answer varies
depending on the pet - its breed, its oral conformation, diet, amount of
chewing, home care, etc. In general, you do not want to wait until there
is significant tartar - the damage to the gums, heart, and kidneys is
already underway. Most vets prefer to clean teeth when there is just a
little tartar present as long as the animal is in good health. The best
answer is to consult with your vet, and ask during your animal’s annual
or semi-annual health examination.
Caring for your animal’s teeth will go a long way in helping your
animals stay healthy and pain-free.
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