The Importance of Pet Dental Health

Bad breath and yellowing teeth are two of the earliest signs - left untreated, these easily overlooked symptoms of poor dental health can develop into periodontal disease or gingivitis. Even worse, it sometimes leads to kidney, liver or heart disease.

The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

There are a number of symptoms to look for to determine if your animal is suffering with dental disease:

• Bad breath—it's not unusual for a dog to have breath that's unpleasant, but if it becomes putrid, this is a strong sign of dental disease.
• Tartar build up—just like in people, a dog or cat's teeth should be white and free of tartar.
• Swollen, receding, or bleeding gums.
• Fractured teeth—bad oral hygiene can lead to cavities, which can be very painful.
• Change in eating habits—sometimes an animal's dental disease can become so uncomfortable that pets will avoid certain foods.

Prevention is the best cure for dental disease in animals, and that includes annual visits to your veterinarian to have your pet's teeth examined. Dogs and cats should also have their teeth brushed on a regular basis, and special foods, along with dental chews, rawhide, dental bones and other healthy products that pets consider "treats," can help keep teeth white and free of disease.

In order to train your dog or cat to tolerate regular tooth brushing, start by massaging the animal's gums with an appropriate pet tooth paste. Poultry-flavored toothpaste is very popular, and most animals love the taste. Toothpaste made for humans can make a pet sick. Once the animal starts accepting or even looking forward to this new ritual, introduce a toothbrush and clean the exterior of the animal's teeth.

If your pet already has signs of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order. Talk to your veterinarian for more information on a dental health treatment and program for your pet.

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