Dental health is an often overlooked aspect of pet care but is crucial for our furry companions’ overall well-being. As in people, dental issues in pets can lead to pain, infection, and possible systemic health concerns. The Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital team outlines the importance of pet dental care, disease prevention strategies, and our team’s services that will keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Why does pet dental health matter?

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats, affecting up to 80% of pets by age 3. A common consequence of untreated dental disease is chronic oral pain, which reduces a pet’s quality of life. Additionally, untreated periodontal disease can lead to heart, liver, or kidney damage when oral bacteria spread through the bloodstream to these vital organs.

Think how you would feel if you never brushed your teeth or visited the dentist. You’d likely develop bad breath, gum irritation, loose teeth, infections, and pain that prevented eating in comfort. The same is true for pets who suffer from untreated dental disease.

Common pet dental health issues

Periodontal disease is the most common oral health issue in dogs and cats. This condition begins when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth, harden into tartar, and gradually attract more bacteria. As bacteria multiply, they inflame and eat away at the gum tissues and other supporting tooth structures, causing loose teeth, root abscesses, bone loss, and pain. Without regular professional dental cleanings, periodontal disease will advance unchecked.

Other common oral health problems include:

  • Root or tooth resorption
  • Tooth fractures
  • Oral tumors
  • Oral inflammation (i.e., stomatitis)
  • Malocclusion

Recognizing dental disease in pets

Pets with dental disease may show no apparent signs, despite pain or discomfort. However, you may notice one or more of these signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Discolored teeth
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating
  • Irritability
  • Reduced play or activity
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Loose or missing teeth

Professional pet dental cleanings and disease prevention

Prevention is key to maintaining good dental health in pets. Your prevention strategy should have two main components—in-office and home care. Our hospital offers professional pet dentistry services, including routine annual dental exams during wellness visits and professional pet dental cleanings. How frequently your pet needs professional cleanings depends on their size and genetics—small dogs and dogs with flat or elongated skulls tend to have more oral health problems.

A professional cleaning requires that pets undergo general anesthesia for their safety and comfort and to ensure a thorough procedure. Before anesthesia, we perform a complete physical examination and diagnostic blood work to assess health, and then develop a safe, individualized anesthetic protocol. Once the pet is asleep, our skilled team takes X-rays, cleans and polishes teeth, takes detailed notes, and addresses painful or diseased teeth. In most cases, we prefer to extract problem teeth.

Dental home care can extend the time between cleanings and slow periodontal disease progression. Our team can recommend products and strategies that fit your lifestyle. However, daily brushing is considered the most effective method for removing plaque. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and soft-bristled brush and slowly acclimate your pet to brushing, rewarding them frequently for cooperation. Other options include dental wipes, treats, chews, water additives, powders, rinses, or prescription diets. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides a list of safe and effective oral care products for pets.

Dental health is a critical component of your pet’s overall well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, professional cleanings, and daily home care are vital to keep your furry pal’s mouth healthy and reduce the risk of oral pain or discomfort. Contact the Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital team to schedule an oral health evaluation or your pet’s next professional dental cleaning.