It may seem unnecessary, even funny, to give your pet dental care, but brushing your pets teeth and taking them for regular preventative cleanings can prevent many health problems and contribute to overall well-being.

The Mouth-Health Connection:

     Dental disease can cause chronic infection in the oral cavity, which can result in chronic shedding of bacteria. These bacteria can travel into the body through the gums and other parts of the mouth and continue growing on other organs, with very damaging results. These bacterial emboli, or bacteria that lodge somewhere else, cause infection and death of the affected organ. They can affect the heart valves, a condition known as bacterial endocarditis, and travel to other parts of the body such as the brain and kidneys. Some veterinarians feel that bacteria shed from the oral cavity can cause bladder disorders. In fact, the longer the teeth are allowed to remain infected, infecting the bone beneath them and the rest of the body, the higher the risk to health, even of cleaning them. We know that animals in the wild usually succumb to dental disease if they make it to old age because they can no longer catch and devour prey. And in the long run untreated dental disease can shorten a pet's life.

You can reduce the chances that problems will befall your pet by paying attention to his/her dental health. That includes providing proper nutrition. A diet of canned food exclusively can lead to a rapid build up of tartar and plaque and does not provide needed exercise for the gums. Hard foods and treats such as milk bones help keep teeth cleaner. As do toys designed to stimulate the gums such as rope bones and the dental type rubber knobbed toys. Most pet supply catalogs carry a wide range of dental care products and toys designed to help clean the dogs teeth and stimulate the gums.
 

Caring for Your Pet's Mouth:

The first step is regular preventive care. The easiest way to teach pets to tolerate routine oral examinations and brushing is to get them in the habit when they are puppies -- just like kids -- on a weekly basis. Starting young they will learn to put up with your rude probing and cleaning. This is also a good time to remember to teach your pup that you may take anything out of your his/her mouth at any time. If your pet is older have your veterinarian show you how to do an oral exam and brush his/her teeth. There are several
types of brushes and pastes and dental hygiene toys on the market, which can make the choice hard. Your vet can help you pick the product that is right for your pet's dental condition and health. The oral cavity is so important to your pet's well being. It's the first place to look if your pet is grumpy when you touch him or her around the mouth or head, not eating well, dropping pieces of food out of the mouth, or has a foul odor. Try to take a peek, then call your veterinarian. If your pet won't let you look, don't force the issue, just call. If an animal is in pain he/she may snap and we don't want anyone -- you or your pet -- getting hurt.

What to Look For:

It is important to check your pet's mouth regularly for gingivitis, or reddening of gums; sores and other changes; and oral tumors, which are the fourth most common problems in dogs. Any one of these signs, especially an abnormal growth or mass, is a reason to alert your veterinarian immediately. Not all masses are the kind that spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and your pet may be saved by early recognition and treatment. Check for foreign bodies that may have been ingested, which may cause your
pet to stop eating. If your vet tells you that your pet needs a dental prophylactics it means he/she will need to undergo general anesthesia and have his/her teeth cleaned and polished. The anesthesia used by most veterinarians is very safe and the risk of using it is less than the risk of leaving the teeth unattended. Many people think that because a pet is eating normally there is not a severe build up of material on the teeth. This is simply not true, because an animal usually will not stop eating until long after the oral cavity is diseased. So many cherished pets unfortunately suffer for a long time with dental disease. Then it can be too late to help.
With regular attention you'll be able to act early.