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SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
At Home Dental Care
Krista Albers-Smith, LVT
Dental health, just as with humans, is an important part of your pet’s overall wellness, and one of the first signs that something is wrong is “doggy breath.” Dental disease occurs when bacteria, calculus, and tartar build up on teeth and eventually become trapped below the gum line. This painful condition allows bacteria to be absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to other major organs of the body. Dental disease can start much earlier in life than many of us might expect. By the age of three, most cats and dogs have some degree of disease in their mouth. This may be as mild as yellow tartar, or as severe as calculus build up, gingival recession, and pain. If left untreated, dental disease can cause significant pain due to diseased teeth, as well as periodontal inflammation and infection, which can eventually lead to irreversible bone loss in the jaws.
There are many great ways to take care of your pet’s mouth at home. The first option, but arguably the most difficult, is brushing their teeth. Counterconditioning to the toothbrush will be necessary to help your pet learn that brushing is not a bad experience. This can be done by either starting with just the toothbrush or adding a liquid like tuna water or no salt added chicken broth. Rewarding your pet once done brushing the teeth ensures it is a positive experience. As your furry friend becomes more comfortable with the toothbrush you can start to use toothpaste. Do NOT use human toothpaste as it can contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
The second option would be food and treats. These items are a good alternative for pets that can’t be brushed. These items are designed to, when used daily, reduce plaque and tartar by up to 69%. For dogs, it is important to get an appropriately sized dental chew in order to prevent choking. There are both over the counter and prescription pet foods to help with oral health. Hill’s Oral Care is a general maintenance adult food, which is larger kibble size to help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. Hill’s T/D is a prescription version of the Oral Care food that is designed to be used in pets that already have severe oral disease or in senior pets to help keep their mouth as healthy as possible, while also providing accurate nutrition for their life stage.
Another option for at home dental care is water additives. These additives are designed to help control plaque and tartar as your pet drinks water. It is important to note that water must be fully changed daily to prevent inaccurate ratios of the additive to water. While most are safe for both cats and dogs, some additives have their dosing based on size, so if your pets drink from the same bowl a water additive may not be the best option for your household. Dental wipes and pads are a middle of the road option between tooth brushing and water additives. They are a great option for pets whose gums are too sensitive or painful to use a toothbrush. Simply wipe the side of the teeth you can see to remove tartar and calculus deposits. These wipes do not get debris below the gum line.
With all the options of treats and food, choosing the best option can be a daunting task. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a nonprofit organization that evaluates dental products to ensure they are effective in plaque and tartar control. Products that are approved by the VOHC will have a seal of approval on their packaging. You can also go to their website for a list of approved products.
Our veterinary professionals are all very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you have about your pet’s health. We also carry a variety of dental chews and treats to help keep your pet’s mouth nice and clean.
