Dental Care Guide

While many people believe that bad breath is normal for their furry friends, it can be an indication of dental disease.

The Animates Vetcare team have compiled facts on dental hygiene in cats and dogs.

What causes dental disease?

Dental disease, is inflammation of the teeth and gums caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. Plaque is made up of food particles, saliva and bacteria, which sticks to the surface of the tooth and if not removed it will calcify into tartar and progress from there.

This takes place above and below the gum line and over time can lead to the destruction of the supporting tissue of the teeth including the bone, resulting in bad breath, oral pain and loss of teeth.

Dental disease is very common and is the leading cause of early tooth loss in cats and dogs. If left untreated, and the dental disease advances, it can contribute to heart, liver and kidney problems.

The good news is, in most cases, this disease is preventable with regular dental examinations and the appropriate ongoing dental care by you and your veterinary care team at Animates Vetcare.

What are the signs of dental disease?

There are a number of signs that can alert you to the possibility that your pet is living with dental disease.

Grades of dental disease

Dental disease is insidious and progressive. As our pet’s age and the disease progresses it becomes harder and more costly to treat.

How can I help my pet have a healthy mouth?

Regular health checks will help to identify any development of dental disease and will allow your veterinarian to discuss the best management plan for your pet. For adult cats and dogs with existing dental disease, a dental treatment with a scale and polish under general anaesthetic is often necessary to get their mouth back into top condition. This will allow us to start preventative measures with a clean mouth and prevent, or slow down, dental disease developing again in the future.

There are things you can do at home such as:

Introducing vet diets, in particular dental diets that can significantly reduce the development of tartar.

Some chewy treats are also specifically designed to reduce tartar, promote healthy gums and freshen breath.

If your pet is calm and relaxed, daily brushing of their teeth with a specially designed pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste is also very beneficial.

For more information about how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy talk to your local Animates Vetcare team.

Tips and tricks for teeth brushing

• Start slowly, giving plenty of affection and praise. Create routine by brushing at the same time; if they are food motivated brush their teeth just before dinner and use dinner as the reward.
• Get your pet used to the sensation of touch on their lips, teeth and gums using your finger. Try putting a few drops of chicken/beef stock or tuna juice (cats) on your finger, your pet will begin to look forward to the ‘reward’ associated with this touch. Note; small pets may be more relaxed sitting on your knee.
• Repeat this with a piece of flavoured (stock or tuna) cloth or a cotton wool bud. Start along their gum lines before lightly massaging their teeth and gums.
• Introduce the toothbrush and dip it into the same flavour before holding it at a 45 degree angle and gently brushing back and forth in a circular motion. Begin slowly with one or two strokes at the front of their mouth before continuing to their back teeth and if possible, their tongue.
• Now you can introduce the toothpaste, rub a small amount onto their rubber chew toys and encourage them to play and chew. Combine for the ultimate clean; it is now time to use both the toothbrush and paste together. Remember to start slowly and build up to at least 30 – 60 seconds on each side, sticking to a daily routine as much as possible.
• Note; as losing their baby teeth can be painful, it is recommended that you stop teeth brushing until their permanent teeth come in.

Dental hygiene tools

• Pet specific toothbrush.
• Pet specific toothpaste; human toothpaste is harmful to pets if swallowed.
• Oral rinses and gels; these must be pet specific, ask us for guidance.
• Nutritionally complete Superior Nutrition dry food that is designed to help to clean their teeth.
• Rubber chew toys.
• Dental treats, that help reduce tartar build up.