Maintaining Good Dental Health in Pets
Regular professional dental cleanings under general anesthesia combined with daily tooth brushing are essential for maintaining optimal dental health in pets, preventing periodontal disease, and improving overall quality of life. 1, 2
Understanding Pet Dental Health
Periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting dogs over 3 years of age and can lead to significant health problems if left untreated. Dental disease not only causes pain and discomfort but can also contribute to other local and systemic diseases, impacting your pet's overall health and quality of life.
Professional Dental Care
Professional Dental Cleaning
- Veterinary dental cleaning should be performed under general anesthesia, not just sedation, to allow for:
- Complete examination of all tooth surfaces
- Thorough cleaning below the gumline
- Proper dental radiographs
- Safe extraction of diseased teeth when necessary 2
Frequency of Professional Cleanings
- Varies based on individual pet needs
- Most pets benefit from annual dental examinations and cleanings
- Pets with existing dental disease may require more frequent professional care
Dental Radiography
- Access to dental radiography equipment is crucial for proper dental care
- 72% of veterinarians and 90% of veterinary nurses report having access to dental radiography equipment 2
- Essential for diagnosing problems below the gumline that aren't visible during examination
Home Dental Care
Daily Tooth Brushing
- Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for preventing periodontal disease 3
- Use pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Introduce gradually and make it a positive experience
- Even brushing every other day or once weekly provides some benefit when combined with other dental care methods 4
Dental Chews and Diets
- Dental chews given daily can help reduce plaque and calculus 4
- Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval
- Special dental diets may help reduce plaque accumulation
- However, diet alone is not sufficient for complete dental care 5
Water Additives
- Water additives used daily may improve periodontal health when combined with brushing or dental chews 4
- Most effective when used as part of a comprehensive dental care routine
Common Misconceptions
Many pet owners have misconceptions about dental health in their pets:
Myth: Diet alone can ensure good dental health Reality: While diet plays a role, it cannot replace mechanical plaque removal through brushing
Myth: Bones are good for cleaning teeth Reality: Bones can cause tooth fractures and intestinal problems
Myth: Dental cleanings under sedation are adequate Reality: Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia for thorough cleaning below the gumline 2
Myth: Bad breath is normal in pets Reality: Bad breath is often a sign of dental disease that requires attention
Effective Dental Care Protocol
For optimal dental health, implement this protocol:
- Annual professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia
- Daily tooth brushing (gold standard)
- If daily brushing isn't possible, combine:
- Weekly brushing with daily dental chews or water additives
- Daily dental chews with water additives 4
- Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor dental health
Warning Signs of Dental Problems
Watch for these signs that indicate your pet needs dental attention:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Visible tartar on teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
By following these recommendations and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your pet maintains good dental health throughout their life, preventing pain and more serious health complications.