Dental Disease in Pets: Key Signs & Prevention Tips

Editor: Hetal Bansal on Nov 08,2024

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions in pets, yet it goes unobserved by most pet owners. Pets, like humans, develop several dental health issues such as tartar buildup, gum, and tooth decay. These conditions lead to great health problems if not attended to in time, as they not only affect the mouth but can also cause complications in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Knowing the symptoms of pet dental disease and how to prevent it will ensure that your pet stays healthy and comfortable. Here, we take a look at the main indicators of dental disease in pets and practical dental care tips on keeping your pet's oral health at its best.

Understanding Pet Dental Disease

The common term for what is called pet dental disease is periodontal disease. This is caused by the bacteria that form in the teeth and gums. Normally, the sticky film of this plaque will form when the saliva and food particles mix with bacteria. If it doesn't clear away, it will harden up into tartar, a rough, porous substance which attaches itself to the firmness of the teeth. Tartar buildup irritates the gums eventually, leading to gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. If left unchecked, the gingivitis may progress into periodontitis, which causes the destruction of the supporting structures around your teeth and might lead to tooth loss.

Pets often suffer from oral health problems, unfortunately, and indeed more than 80 per cent of dogs and cats will contract some type of dental disease by the time they reach age three. Causative factors make this a rather important concern for animal owners because efforts made to attend to dental concerns promptly can sometimes prevent complications from arising later in time.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

It is rarely possible to diagnose dental disease in pets, as they usually hide pain and discomfort. However, many other symptoms suggest an attitude of the pet towards oral health:

• Bad Breath: Dental disease has a classic early sign- bad breath. Although it's normal for a pet's breath to be partially malodorous, chronic foul-smelling breath indicates bacterial buildup in the mouth.
• Red or Swollen Gums: Red, swollen gums could be an indication of gingivitis. If your pet's gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily, it is probably time to visit your vet.
• Difficult Eating or Chewing: Animals that have a dental disease might experience pains while trying to eat or chew; therefore, they may avoid particular foods or chew on one side of their mouth.
• Yellow or Brown Tartar on Teeth: Yellow or brown tartar that has accumulated along the gumline is a sure sign of dental disease. It would be much more complicated and infected if not treated.
• Drooling or Dropping Food: Drooling or dropping food from the mouth might indicate discomfort or pain in the mouth, often because of gum disease or tooth decay.
• Pawing at the Mouth: Your pet may paw at his mouth or run their face against surfaces if they feels uncomfortable because of a dental problem.
• Loose or Missing Teeth: Advanced dental disease can make the teeth lose, or in worse cases, fall out. If your pet has loose teeth or is missing, see the vet right away.

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

Preventive care is the most basic step in attaining optimal oral health for your pet. Regular dental care not only prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque but also helps in minimizing painful and expensive dental diseases. Professional veterinary cleanings and regular home care that can be done by pet owners are all part of preventive dental care.

Veterinary cleanings are looking under anaesthesia with the veterinarian at your pet's teeth for the process of examination and cleaning. This can include the removal of tartar, cleaning below the gumline, and assessing your pet's overall oral health. Professional cleanings are typically conducted yearly; however, some pets need more than once a year based on their specific needs and risk factors.

Prevention care begins at home and is equally important. Usually easy to add to your day-to-day routine with your dog, let's take a look at some of the best dental care tips that might help prevent this feared dental disease in your pets.

Dental Care Tips for Pet Owners

•  Brush Your Pet's Teeth Regularly: One of the best ways to avoid dental disease is by brushing your pet's teeth. Brush them with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste; never use human toothpaste, as it contains substances toxic to your pets. Brush the teeth daily, or at least three times a week, if your pet lets you. Be gentle, especially if this is your pet's first time at the dental cleaning.
•  Give Dental Chews and Toys: Dental chews and toys work to prevent plaque and tartar buildup while providing your pet with something for entertainment. Chewing mechanically removes food particles and plaque from the teeth and is considered useful in maintaining some oral health. Always choose products suitable for your pet depending on their size and the kind of chewing habits you perceive in your pet.
• Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet: Some pet foods are formulated to help minimize dental disease. These diets often have a texture that will massage and remove plaque from the teeth while your pet chews or contains specific ingredients that help reduce plaque. Ask your veterinarian whether a dental diet would be a good fit for your pet.
• Use Dental Rinses or Water Additives: Veterinary-approved dental rinses and water additives exist and can help control bacteria and freshen the breath of your dog. These are simple, painless additions that may be made to an animal's water bowl each day.
• Regular Check-Ups with Vets: Routine veterinary checkups can help in the prevention of dental problems and their early detection. When your pet comes for an examination, your veterinarian checks his or her teeth and gums and makes recommendations for any treatment that may be necessary. They also advise you on some at-home dental care practices suited to your pet.
• Monitor Your Pet's Oral Health: Look at your pet's mouth regularly to check if there are any signs of dental disease. Check for red or swollen gums, the formation of tartar, or other unusual behaviours that may reflect discomfort. Early detection often significantly influences the success of treatment and prevention.

Preventing Gum Disease in Pets

Gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases found in animals, yet it is entirely preventable. Aside from brushing and professional cleanings, keeping to a routine can be highly important to maintaining healthy gums in your pet. This could include using such products as dental gels or wipes that can be applied to your pet's gums to minimize bacteria growth and reduce the occurrence of inflammation.

Extra measures should be taken if your pet is particularly vulnerable to gum diseases, such as ageing or specific breeds. For example, smaller dogs are more prone to additional visits and cleanings due to the size and location of their teeth, creating a higher incidence of dental problems.

Conclusion

Oral health is part of your pet's overall health. Dental disease is very common in pets but is also quite preventable. If you identify signs of dental disease like bad breath, red gums, or difficulty eating, it will ensure that your pet is comfortable and will avoid frequent vet visits due to related health issues caused by poor oral hygiene.

Preventing proper care with a couple of minor adjustments can make a difference in the condition of preventing them from suffering from dental disease. Your pet's overall health, coupled with an awesome set of teeth and gums, will further improve their quality of life and deepen your connection with them, knowing you gave them the best care.

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