Every February, Pet Dental Health Month is commemorated to increase public awareness of the value of maintaining good dental hygiene in pets. Dentistry problems can result in unpleasant infections, tooth loss, and even systemic disorders that impact the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Pets frequently have dental problems, but they are often ignored until they get out of hand. By routinely inspecting your pet's mouth and identifying early symptoms, you can avoid pain, illness, and expensive treatments.
Pet Dental Problem Symptoms
Bad breath
The first indication of dental illness is frequently a persistent bad smell, which may be brought on by gum disease, rotting teeth, or bacterial accumulation.
Tartar and plaque buildup
Untreated yellow or brown coatings on teeth, particularly those close to the gum line, can result in tooth decay and gum disease.
Swollen, red or bleeding gums
Gum inflammation or bleeding is a sign of infection and early periodontal disease, that can lead to excruciating pain and eventual tooth loss.
Difficulty eating
Pets that exhibit pain symptoms from a loose, infected, or broken tooth may avoid hard food, chew on one side, or drop food while eating.
Excessive drooling
A warning sign is thick, ropey, or bloody saliva because increased salivation could indicate an oral infection or pain.
Pawing the mouth or face
When pets have dental pain, they may shake their head, rub their teeth, or scratch.
Loss of appetite or even weight loss
Eating less or skipping food completely can be caused by painful chewing. A veterinarian should always be consulted when a pet experiences sudden weight loss.
Swelling around the jaw or face
May indicate a pocket of infection, or abscess, in the gums or teeth, and in these scenarios, a pet has to see a veterinarian right away.
Broken, loose or missing teeth
Lost or damaged teeth could be a sign of more serious dental damage or illness. Nerves can be exposed by broken teeth, which can be quite painful.
Changes in behaviour
Mouth pain may manifest as irritability, a reluctance to play, or a decrease in activity. Pets may object to being petted close to the face or refrain from chewing on toys.
How to act if your pet has dental problems
Taking prompt action if you think your pet may have dental problems will help avoid pain, infection, and major health problems.
Make an appointment for a veterinary dental examination because oral issues can be excruciating and worsen rapidly. Appointment is needed within a few weeks if the symptoms are modest; if they are severe, such as bleeding gums, swelling, or reluctance to eat, go right away! Your veterinarian will check your pet's mouth, teeth, and gums; to look for hidden infections or bone loss, X-rays could be required.
Dental issue prevention
Maintaining your pet's happiness, health, and absence of excruciating oral diseases requires proper dental care. You may avoid major issues like gum disease, tooth loss, and infections that could harm important organs by practising prevention.
Teeth brushing
One of the best ways to avoid dental conditions including tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque accumulation is to brush your pet's teeth. Pets may need some time to get used to it, but with the correct approach and patience, it may become a beneficial part of their daily routine.
First things first - purchase a soft-bristled or finger brush and pet toothpaste (various pet toothpastes are available in scents like fish or chicken); never use human toothpaste since it contains xylitol, which is hazardous to pets. When introducing the toothpaste, allow your pet to lick it off of your finger first.
Before starting to brush your pet's teeth select a calm, comfortable setting. To create a good association, gently touch their mouth and lips to get them accustomed to it. Then, make sure to reward them with praise or food. First, use your finger to smear the toothpaste onto their gums and introduce the toothbrush gradually when they feel at ease, start with a small number of teeth and work your way up if your pet allows you. Spend 30 to 60 seconds brushing each time and remember to reward positive behaviour at the end with praise, treats, or fun.
Brushing should be done every day, or at least two to three times a week, to avoid plaque accumulation. Use oral wipes, water additives, or dental chews as supplements if brushing is not an option.
Dental chews and toys
A simple and efficient approach to support your pet's oral health. They keep your pet busy while massaging gums, reducing plaque and tartar accumulation, and freshening breath!
Edible dental chews are made specifically to clean teeth as they are being chewed. To accommodate your pet's preferences, they come in a variety of sizes and tastes. To refresh breath, some contain enzymes or substances like parsley and chlorophyll.
Natural chews and substitutes for rawhide are created from easily digested ingredients like sweet potatoes, yak milk, or compressed vegetables that are less dangerous than conventional rawhide, which poses a choking risk.
While pets chew, the textured surfaces of rubber or nylon dental toys clean their teeth. For added involvement, some can be stuffed with peanut butter or snacks. When pets chew and tug on a rope toy, the fibres act similarly to natural floss and are ideal for canines that enjoy chewing and pulling. To prevent ingesting loose threads, it is advised to observe play.
Catnip-infused dental sticks, rubber chew toys like silvervine chews, and catnip dental balls are examples of speciality chew toys for cats, rabbits, and other small pets.
Dental-friendly diet
A healthy diet is essential for reducing gum disease, plaque, and tartar accumulation in pets. Eating the correct foods helps improve breath, lessen dental problems, and advance general health. The purpose of specially designed dental diets is to lower tartar and plaque. Pets' teeth are mechanically cleaned by the size and texture of their kibble.
When chewing, premium dry food with a firmer texture scratches teeth.
To promote chewing, look for recipes that highlight dental benefits or greater kibble size. Plaque can naturally be removed by eating raw or freeze-dried foods like raw bones (such as raw meaty bones). Bone-containing freeze-dried meat may be good for your teeth, but see your veterinarian before following this diet. Natural foods that are good for your pet teeth, such as crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers, or fruits like apple slices without seeds, and pumpkin. Dogs should only eat soft, raw bones—never cooked bones since they splinter.
Dental water additives and oral rinses
Simple yet efficient ways to keep your pet's teeth healthy. They are hassle-free substitutes for brushing and aid in lowering plaque, tartar, and foul breath.
Liquid solutions called water additives are added to your pet's drinking water to help combat bacteria, freshen your pet's breath, and stop plaque from forming. Oral rinses are antiseptic solutions that are applied directly to your pet's teeth or gums to reduce irritation and control infection.
Regular vet check-ups and professional cleanings
Maintaining the health of your pet's teeth and gums requires routine veterinarian dental treatment, at least once a year. Professional cleanings help avoid major problems like periodontal disease, infections, and tooth loss, even with at-home oral hygiene practices like brushing and chewing.
Frequent veterinary examinations are crucial for identifying oral illness early on and preventing its progression. Early illness detection lowers the risk of systemic disorders (heart, liver, and kidney problems from bacteria entering the bloodstream), prevents unpleasant situations like gum infections and loose teeth, and guarantees healthy chewing and digesting, all of which improve general health.
Another method to maintain the health of your pet's teeth and gums is to have them professionally cleaned. Professional cleaning removes bacteria, that lessens bad breath, avoids gum disease (periodontal disease), which can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and infections, and removes plaque and tartar accumulation that brushing cannot reach. Makes pets feel and eat better, which enhances the quality of life!
Conclusion
Dental disorders in pets are frequent but avoidable, and they can affect general health. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, infections, and plaque and tartar accumulation are the most common problems. Pain, trouble eating, tooth loss, and even organ damage from bacteria that move through the bloodstream can result from untreated dental illness.
Maintaining your pet's dental health is essential to their general well-being and lifespan. A happy and healthy pet is ensured by a combination of at-home dental care and expert cleanings, which help prevent expensive and painful dental disorders.
