Medical professionals tell us routine dental care is essential to human health.
Do you know routine dental care is just as important to your dog’s health?
For many dogs who do not receive dental care on a regular basis, periodontal disease may develop as soon as they reach 2 years old. Research has shown the infection in the gums can be absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and travel to the vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
If left untreated, the dog will suffer pain, tooth loss, inability to eat normally, or worse. Dental disease also has been directly linked to endocarditis and cardiomyopathy.
Some dogs should undergo their first dental cleaning at 2 years. Smaller breeds of dogs are more susceptible to early periodontal disease and should be examined by the veterinarian within their early stages of life.
A meticulous dental exam and dental X-rays can determine if the dog has potentially serious issues beneath the gumline that are not readily visible during an exam. Some of the most common dental issues include, but are not limited to, fractured teeth, tooth decay, and tooth root resorption. Gingivitis also is a common and painful condition in pets.
Gingivitis occurs when the gums become bright red and inflamed. A tooth root abscess can cause a great deal of pain and facial swelling. A dental radiograph is used by the veterinarian to look for tooth decay.
Other issues such as fractured teeth and buildup of dental tartar can be observed visually during the dental exam. When suffering with these painful conditions, pets may choose to only eat with one side of their mouth, will eat less, or will have great difficulty eating hard foods. The dog also may become irritable and reclusive.
We all know that dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so the veterinarian will adjust the process accordingly. Before a dental prophylaxis can be performed, routine blood work is done to ensure there are no existing health issues that could impact the safety of anesthesia, which is necessary to the cleaning process.
While under anesthesia, the veterinarian utilizes specific dental instruments to lift the gums, inspect and then clean the teeth by scraping away any plaque or tartar. The final step is to thoroughly polish the teeth to a sparkling shine.
When the exam and procedure are complete, the dog will be moved to a quiet kennel and closely monitored until it fully recovers from anesthesia. The veterinarian will determine when the dog is fully conscious and ready to return home.
The dog may be a bit lethargic for a while, but is typically ready to eat later in the day. Soft foods or the addition of water to soften hard foods often is recommended for several days after the dental procedure.
The American College of Veterinary Dentists strongly advises against awake dental procedures. Unlike humans, it is nearly impossible to thoroughly examine a dog’s mouth while it is awake. It is also nearly impossible to perform full mouth radiographs while the animal is awake. Likewise, tooth extractions are not possible in an awake patient.
Understandably, pet owners may have concerns about having their dog being placed under anesthesia. When considering today’s modern methods for delivering anesthesia, the risk actually is very low. Veterinarians usually are quite willing to discuss their anesthetic protocols with pet owners.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep teeth healthy between dental cleanings and may reduce the frequency for periodic dental cleaning by a veterinarian.
Daily brushing is best, but brushing several times a week also can be effective. Many pet supply stores have a variety of toothbrushes designed for dogs. Most dogs tolerate brushing, and it’s best to begin training them to accept brushing when they are young.
Toothpaste specifically designed for animals and their pH levels is recommended. Dental chews, such as CET chews, are suggested to help prevent dental disease. Another recommendation is an amino acid supplement, 1-TDC TetraDecanol Complex, to reduce infection and inflammation in the gums and minimize halitosis.
Finally, bringing your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups is extremely important. Veterinarians can help stage dental disease and provide recommendations on how to maintain a pet’s dental health, which will result in a longer, healthier and happier life for your dog.
• Dr. Ashley Rossman is co-owner of Glenbrook Dog & Cat Hospital in Glenview.
