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Good Dental Health is Important
for Your Pet

Did you know that 85 percent of all dogs and 70 percent of all cats show signs of oral disease by age two?

Many pets are afflicted with some degree of tooth and gum disease as they age. While dogs rarely get cavities, dental tartar, calculus and gum disease are commonly seen ailments in older pets. Tartar builds up on the teeth, and if not regularly removed, will eventually extend into the gums. The gums then become inflamed causing gingivitis. This leads to the development of periodontal disease, or infection and breakdown of gum tissue surrounding the tooth. This progressive deterioration of the gums and underlying bone tissue causes painful red bleeding gums, offensive mouth odor and loose teeth.

The pet may exhibit difficulty chewing, with subsequent loss of appetite and weight. In addition, the periodontal disease acts as a source for bacterial germs that are spread throughout the body. Regular dental care will help prevent these conditions. Ask your veterinarian about the dental disease in your pet and for recommendations for preventative dental care.

There are things you can do at home to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy. The most helpful home care pet owners can do is brushing teeth. Be sure to use a toothbrush designed for pets. These special brushes are especially important for small dogs and cats. You need very soft bristles so you don't damage gum tissue. Most veterinarians have pet toothbrushes and veterinary toothpaste for sale. A "finger" toothbrush, a device that fits over the owner's finger, is especially easy to use. Don't use baking soda or human toothpaste -- dogs swallow it and it can upset their stomachs. CET brand poultry-flavored toothpaste and some other toothpastes are made especially for pets. Pet owners can get instructions from a veterinarian on how to brush pet teeth.

K-State veterinarians don't recommend that pet owners brush the inside of the teeth. Getting the outside is very helpful to overall dental care. They instruct pet owners hold the mouth shut with one hand, lift up the pet's lip and brush with the other hand.

They say it takes a little longer to train a cat to tolerate tooth brushing, but it can be done. Either use a finger toothbrush or the small brush specifically designed for cats.

Starting dental care when animals are puppies or kittens really makes a difference. If you wait until the animal is an adult, go especially slowly in accustoming the animal to teeth brushing. If it's a question of you being injured if you try to brush the pet's teeth, don't do it.

When an animal requires advanced dental care, many veterinarians refer these pets to K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine, where veterinarians do root canals and all routine and advanced periodontal procedures, including crowns.

If an animal breaks a tooth, owners should contact the veterinarian as soon as they notice it. Different procedures may be recommended based on the age of the animal and the duration of the fracture.

Contrary to advertising, dog biscuits are not particularly helpful in dental care because the dog would have to eat too many for them to be a practical aid.

For more information, visit the Pet Health News link of Kansas State University:
www.mediarelations.ksu.edu/WEB/News/NewsReleases/pethealth.html