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Your pet's dental health goes beyond just keeping their teeth clean and plays a big role in their overall health. Annual oral examinations are important to pinpoint any dental concerns like broken teeth and periodontal disease, while regular cleanings can help keep harmful bacteria at bay. Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing valuable information and tips to help you keep your pet's teeth in top shape.

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Dental disease is a common, but preventable, condition. According to studies, 80% of dogs¹ have some form of dental disease. If dental disease is not treated, it can lead to concerns affecting internal organs like heart, kidney, and liver. Your dog's mouth is full of bacteria which can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body causing damage to blood vessels, including the ones around the heart.

¹Watanabe K, Hayashi K, Kijima S, Nonaka C, Yamazoe K. Tooth brushing inhibits oral bacteria in dogs. J Vet Med Sci. 2015 Oct;77(10):1323-5. doi: 10.1292/jvms.14-0193. Epub 2015 May 21. PMID: 25994486; PMCID: PMC4638305.

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How does periodontal (gum) disease occur? Periodontal disease is very similar in both humans and animals and begins with an inflammatory response to bacteria present in the mouth. Chronic inflammation can lead to permanent damage, and if not treated, can compromise the structures surrounding the tooth.

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Prevention of periodontal disease is much easier than treating the condition after it occurs. Routine cleanings can remove tartar and plaque buildup. This procedure is done under anesthesia and allows the veterinarian or technician to remove any plaque and tartar that has formed above and below the gumline and to examine your pet's overall oral health. Contact our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] to schedule an appointment for your pet's annual oral exam.

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If your pet's teeth look clean and white, should you still have your veterinarian perform regular oral examinations? Yes! Dental health is more about the health of the gums than the color of the teeth. If your pet's gums are red and swollen, that is a sign that an infection is lurking below the gumline and can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, and kidney disease. Prevention is the key to dental health, and your veterinarian should perform an oral examination and professional dental cleaning on an annual basis.

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Is bad breath normal in pets? While it may be easy to brush off unpleasant breath as just part of your pet's life, it is an indicator of an oral infection. The malodor is usually caused by byproducts of bacteria that form plaque, and, if not treated, periodontal disease. If you've noticed your pet's bad breath, it's time to give our clinic a call at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] and schedule a dental exam and cleaning.

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In addition to professional cleanings, there are ways you can care for your pet's dental health at home. Daily tooth brushing is considered the "gold standard," but can take time to train the pet to accept it. There are also other dental products available-like wipes, sprays, and water additives-that can be used in conjunction with brushing to help keep your pet's mouth healthy.

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It's a common myth that feeding your pet standard hard kibble helps keep their teeth clean. Most dogs and cats swallow their kibble whole without chewing it at all, and even if it's chewed, most kibble breaks apart when the tooth hits it. However, specific dental diets have been developed using a special kibble comprised of a fiber matrix; these diets allow the tooth to penetrate the kibble and wipe plaque from the tooth.

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While your dog may love bones, chew toys, and tennis balls, his teeth may not. Hard bones and chew toys are common causes of tooth fractures which are painful and can lead to infections and abscesses if untreated. A good rule of thumb for finding a suitable chew toy if it can't be easily bent with your hands, don't give it to your pet.

The rough surface of tennis balls can lead to abrasion, wearing away the enamel or the surface of teeth over time. Dogs who constantly chew on tennis balls often have worn and painful teeth.

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True or false: oral disease is an inevitable part of aging.

False. Regular dental home care and routine professional cleanings can help ward off dental disease as pets age. Just as age is not a disease, dental disease is not inevitable for senior pets.

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While adult humans have 32 teeth, dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30. Our pets' teeth have the same elements as ours---enamel, dentin, cementum, nerves, and blood vessels---and can develop similar dental conditions. That's why it's important to not only decrease plaque accumulation on your pet's teeth with daily home care but also arrange regular professional dental exams and cleanings. To schedule an annual exam, contact our clinic staff at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER].

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Don't know where to start with brushing your pet's teeth? It takes time to get your pet used to having their teeth brushed. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Start slowly with your finger and some pet toothpaste.
2. Hold the muzzle with one hand and gently insert your finger between the cheek and the teeth and "brush" the teeth.
3. Reward the pet with their favorite treat, praise, or game when they accept the brushing!

You may need to do this every day for a week for your pet to learn. Once they accept your finger, then begin using toothbrush, but introduce it slowly over several days. You only need to brush the outside of the teeth. Pets keep the inside of the teeth very clean on their own.

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Many dental procedures require your pet to be anesthetized, which can be stressful to some pet owners. While there is always a risk when a pet is anesthetized, a thorough pre-procedure examination and blood work--along with individualized anesthetic protocols and monitoring-lowers the risk of complications during anesthesia.

Without anesthesia, your veterinarian is unable to clean beneath the gumline, where bacteria build up and can destroy the tissues surrounding the tooth. Just cleaning the surface of the teeth only makes them whiter and has minimal effect on your pet's overall oral health. Scaling without proper polishing leaves the tooth surface rough and provides more surface area for bacterial plaque to adhere to.

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Just because periodontal disease may not be visible doesn't mean it isn't occurring and doesn't need treatment. Pets with periodontal disease have an infection in the oral cavity and each time the pet chews, bacteria are released into the bloodstream. This can have a detrimental effect on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Annual oral examinations and regular professional cleanings can help keep your pet's mouth healthy. To schedule an exam, give our clinic a call at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER].