Dental Home Care
Dogs and cats get plaque on their teeth just like we do! There is little difference physically between the dog or cat’s tooth and the human tooth. We all have nerves and blood vessels in our teeth surrounded by dentin, surrounded in turn by a hard coat of enamel. The enamel is bathed in saliva and quickly covered by plaque, which is bacteria mixed with saliva and food particles. This bacteria invades the gums around the teeth and leads to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. If we do not regularly disinfect our mouths and brush away the plaque, the plaque will mineralize into tartar (also called calculus โ gritty material that the dental hygienist scrapes away). Tartar, being solid and gritty, blocks oxygen from bathing the outer tooth and thus changes the nature of the bacteria that can live around the tooth. The bacteria that withstand the oxygen-poor environment (anaerobic bacteria) are more harmful to the bone and tissues of the gum. The periodontal ligament becomes damaged, the gums become sensitive, abscesses may form, and the bone around the tooth is literally eaten away. Eventually the tooth is lost and, if the bone damage is severe enough, the jaw can break. Worse still, the bacteria of the mouth can seed other areas in the body, leading to infection in the heart, liver, kidney, or virtually anywhere the blood stream carries them. Once calculus is present, a professional cleaning is needed to remove it.
A full 85% of pets have periodontal disease by age 3 years.ย
Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. Bone loss, once it starts, is not reversible. When plaque is removed by tooth-brushing, the gums and bone around the teeth will stay healthy. Tooth-brushing should be introduced gradually. Don’t force the mouth open. Use pet toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush or โfinger cotโ. Avoid human type toothpastes, as they contain foaming agents which can cause stomach upset and fluoride which can be toxic to pets. Start by sliding your finger under the cheek and running your finger along the teeth and gums. Do this every day for about a week, and always praise your pet during and afterwards, or give her a favorite toy when you are finished. When your pet is used to this, you can introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. The paste should be pressed down into the bristles, so the pet doesn’t lick it off the brush. Start by brushing just a few teeth at a time. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so the bristles go under the gumline. Only the outside surfaces of the teeth need to be brushed at first. Try to use a circular motion with the toothbrush if at all possible. Other products that are available are special tartar control diets, dental treats, dental wipes, and water additives.
Brush your pet’s teeth daily. Brushing at the same time every day may make it easier to incorporate as part of your pet’s daily routine. Afterwards, give a reward such as a favorite toy, a walk, or lots of praise. Most dogs and some cats will actually learn to enjoy this daily ritual, and will see it as extra attention from their favorite person.