Brushing your Dog or Cat's Teeth

How often do you brush your cat or dog's teeth? Do you know the optimal amount of brushing that is recommended to help control the progression of dental disease?

Just like humans, cats and dogs require daily brushing of their teeth to provide the best control over the progression of dental disease. Many things can contribute to dental disease, including diet, age, breed and genetic predisposition. But the more at-home dental care you can provide, the better off your pet's teeth will be.

Starting a teeth-brushing regime can seem like a daunting task if you've never brushed an animal's teeth before. Here are some easy tips to help you get started.

1) Start with getting your dog or cat used to having its mouth handled. Rub the muzzle, massage the gums, and be sure to make sure everything ends on a positive note.

2) Introduce a small amount of toothpaste with your finger. Rub this against the teeth and the gums to get your pet used to the taste and sensation. Be sure to use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats.

3) Bring on the toothbrush! Wet the bristles down and start brushing the larger canine teeth in gentle circular motions.

4) Work your way back across the rest of the teeth, increasing the time and pressure used on each tooth. Focus on the outside surface of the teeth; tartar rarely occurs on the inner surfaces

5) Finish with brushing the front teeth by holding the muzzle with your other hand and lifting the lips to allow access.

When you are first introducing this to your cat or dog, you may need to start very slowly, and reward after each step. Do not rush into a full brushing as your dog or cat may object and be more resistant next time. The end goals are an easy teeth-brushing experience every time, fresher breath and a healthier pet!

Check out this site for further teeth-tips!

Vanessa Tonn, DVM
Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic

DENTAL DISEASE

Did u know that dental disease affects approximately 85% of dogs and cats over 1 year of age?

-      Usually bad breath is an early sign of poor oral health.

-       Dental plaque occurs early and is composed of food particles, bacteria and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and adhere to the tooth’s surface and form tartar.  When left on the tooth’s surface, it causes painful inflammation along the gum line and eventually, can cause recession of the gum line therefore resulting in loose teeth. THIS IS WHERE HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH) COMES FROM.

-       If dental disease is left untreated you can may loss of teeth, damage to the jaw bone and a dangerous source of infection by allowing build up of bacteria to enter into the blood stream and cause damage to vital organs (nervous system, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys)

The different stages of dental disease consist of:

      Stage 1- this is where plaque forms and marginal gingivitis is present

      Stage 2 – plaque can harden into tartar, gingivitis is noted and gums bleed when probed

      Stage 3 – plaque + tartar present, painful gingivitis, pockets, recession, < 50% bone loss

      Stage 4 – plaque + tartar present, sever pain, gingivitis, pockets, recession, mobile teeth,                       > 50% bone loss, and severe infection.

Dental disease can easily be prevented by doing the following:

1-     Brushing your pets teeth daily, with a veterinary approved, palatable tooth paste

2-      Feeding a specially designed veterinary approved dental diet to your pet

3-      Providing oral treats such as rawhides or dental chews that are veterinary approved

4-      Using a veterinary approved water additive added to your pets drinking water or oral rinse

5-      Best of all! Yearly or regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian is one of the most effective ways to ensure good oral health for your companion animal. 

Chantelle Oliver, RVT