Like people, dogs have two sets of teeth: what are known as deciduous or baby teeth which puppies are both with, and the permanent adult teeth. By 6 months of age, it is typical that all of the baby teeth have fallen out, and have been replaced by the permanent or adult teeth.
In certain breeds such as toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, one or more of the deciduous teeth may be retained into adulthood, leading the presence of a double row of teeth, most commonly of the canine teeth, but also possibly of the thinner and sharper incisor teeth. In some cases, the roots of the permanent teeth may be affected and pushed out by the retained baby teeth. The best thing to do if the retained baby teeth do not fall out is to have them removed at the time of neuter or spay over 6 months of age. In that way, improper tooth and root alignment is avoided.
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One of the more common clinical complaints in small animal practice is the presence of bad breath in their dog or cat. The most common underlying cause of bad breath in our pets is the presence of some sort of gum or dental disease. When periodontal disease is present, overgrowth of bad bacteria can occur in the mouth that may contribute to dental tartar or plaque, as well as gum inflammation, in addition to tooth root infection and/or tooth loss. |
The severity of dental disease can vary, and depending upon the individual case treatment may involve veterinary ultrasonic tooth scaling and/or an at home dental hygiene program. While dental disease is often the most common cause of bad breath in our pets, digestive tract inflammation and/or food allergies can also cause bad breath. Improperly digested food, as well as bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract can both lead to stinky mouths.
Treating bad breath in pets will also depend upon the specific diagnosis of digestive tract inflammation but may involve dietary changes, as well as intestinal antibiotics, in addition to dietary supplements such as a good probiotic, such as NaturVet Digestive Enzymes or Fast Balance.
Finally for pets who are ill with severe liver or kidney disease, there can also be changes in the pet’s breath. These pets will typically have poor appetites and/or have loss of weight. No matter what the cause of your pet’s bad breath, a proper vet exam and diagnosis usually is the best option for appropriate long-term treatment.
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Dental tartar and periodontal disease aren’t just concerns for us humans; they are in pets as well, especially in adult and senior pets. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and secondary infection in the mouth and other areas of the body. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective dental chews that can help pet owners prevent progressive periodontal disease. |
One of the most important guidelines is to make sure that dogs are always attended when chewing on any rawhides or chews. Products such as Nylabone help control plaque and clean teeth in addition to massaging the gums. These products are very hardy and long lasting for most pets. Many nylon chews have tiny fibers that will eventually be chewed off, and swallowed and passed safely in the stool.
While rawhides are indigestible, cow hooves offer pets a digestive protein, and have a strong attractive odor when moist for most pets. I have found cow hooves to be problematic in many pets if ingested in large amounts. Both raw hides and pig ears should be taken away when the dog has chewed them down to a size small enough for the dog to swallow.
My favorite dental products for pets are the C.E.T chews and treats which help clean teeth and freshen breath, in addition to decreasing bacteria and tartar buildup. The duel enzymatic system fight harmful bacterial buildup, as well as freshening your pet’s breath and acting as a natural antiseptic.
Does your pet have a favorite chew treat or dental chew? Please share your comments below!
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Brushing your pet’s teeth is a critical part in overall health for all pets, yet it is unfortunately overlooked by many. Without adequate home dental care many pets will develop plaque on their teeth and gum inflammation that can lead to significant periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also lead to infections or problems in other areas of the body, including the heart, liver and kidneys. That is why it so critical to attempt to implement a pet dental program at home. |
Below are a few tips to help encourage proper dental care in your pet:
1. Familiarize your pet with a toothbrush
First an animal guardian can begin by simply letting their pet smell or lick the tooth brush in order to get used to it. If possible, let the pet put the tooth brush into their mouths before you attempt to brush them.
2. Try brush stroke movements
Then one can use either index finger or empty tooth brush across their pets gums and teeth in an up and down motion to get their pets used to having something put in their mouths.
3. Use only a toothpaste formulated for pets
Once they are used to that, you can try adding toothpaste, like the one included in the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit. Brush along the sides and front of the teeth as best as possible for up to a few minutes. It’s important to only use a toothpaste formulated for pets – never use human toothpaste.
If possible I recommend doing this at least 3 to 4 times weekly if not daily. If you have problems with this a veterinarian or veterinary technician can show you how to do this right in the office. For those pets who are just too difficult to brush there are other products such as Vetz Life, Maxiguard, and Oxyfresh which do not require physically brushing and can help reduce bacteria and plaque in the mouth. There are also some excellent dental treats available that can also have a cleansing effect on the teeth.
Have you tried brushing your pet’s teeth? Do you have any tips that you have found to ease the process? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!
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Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems seen in dogs and cats – especially in middle age and older pets. Symptoms may include:
- Varying degrees of oral discomfort
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Brown dental tartar
- Tooth discoloration
- Gum redness/swelling
- Gum recession
- Tooth loss
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In many pets oral discomfort may manifest as difficulty chewing food, when they are pet over the facial area, as well as jaw quivering on manipulation or touching of the jaws. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to problems in other areas of the body such as kidney infections or heart infections. That is why it is important to have routine annual wellness exams in pets, and if necessary an ultrasonic scaling and cleaning under general anesthesia. Often dental X-rays are needed to detect problems of the tooth roots.
Animal guardians my also play a proactive role in their pets’ dental care at home by brushing their pets teeth regularly with specialized tooth brushes and toothpaste such as C.E.T toothpaste which enzymatically breaks down the plaque on teeth and cuts down on oral bacteria in the mouth. Supplementing with products like Be Fresh Dental Solution and Greenie’s Dental Chews can help reduce bacteria in your pet’s mouth in between brushing.
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Periodontal disease can affect up to 80% or more of middle age and older dogs and cats. Symptoms often include buildup of plaque or tartar on the teeth, as well as inflammation or redness of the gums. Teeth or roots can become infected along with increased odor from the mouth or drooling. In my experience and opinion, giving healthy pets raw meaty bones can be one of the most effective ways for a pet to naturally self clean their teeth. I have not seen problems when bones are give raw in most cases. |
Chicken wings, marrow bones, and beef/chicken backs can often be used depending upon the size of the pet. It is the cooked bones that often splinter and cause the most problems, in terms of digestive upset or obstructions. Certainly brushing pets’ teeth with enzymatic products like C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste or providing C.E.T. Chews or Greenies can help with dental maintenance. Usually at home brushing should be done at least 3 to 4 times a week to have some long term benefit. Without proper preventative dental hygiene, pets can develop progressive periodontal disease which can lead to oral pain and tooth loss, as well as possibly infection in other areas of the body such as the heart, kidneys or lungs.
If periodontal disease develops, your veterinarian can ultrasonically scale your pet’s teeth, which usually requires general anesthesia. The frequency this is needed can vary. Some pets need annual teeth cleaning, while others sometimes don’t need another cleaning for several years.
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Bad breath in dogs and cats is one of the more common observations animal guardians make and a question often posed to veterinarians. There are many possible causes of bad breath, from poor diets and digestive health, to sinus/respiratory infections, and many metabolic diseases such as kidney or renal disease. By far though, the biggest reason for bad breath in our dogs and cats is the presence of periodontal and gum disease.
Periodontal disease is truly epidemic in adult dogs and cats, affecting to some degree, almost 90 percent of adult pets. Symptoms may include not only a foul mouth odor, but excessive drooling, difficulty chewing food, or even subsequent weight loss. |
In some cases, an infected tooth root can lead to swelling on one side of your pet’s face. If your pets allow you to, look inside their mouths especially at the back teeth. You may notice a significant buildup of dental plaque or tartar, and swollen or red gums. Not only does periodontal disease lead to painful mouths and tooth loss, but increased risk of chronic infections in the mouth potentially spreading to other areas of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, liver and heart.
Many times when these symptoms are present, an initial ultrasonic dental scaling (done under anesthesia) is needed to address such pathology of the teeth and gums. However, if animal guardians start with dental care at home when animals are puppies or kittens, and certainly after an ultrasonic scaling, they can tremendously help to avoid future health problems.
Great products like C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, C.E.T. Rinse, and Nolvadent Oral Cleansing Solution can all help play an active role in a pet’s dental care and health. C.E.T.’s Enzymatic Toothpaste contains two enzymes which not only prevents plaque buildup, but can digest the plaque right off teeth when used regularly. The chlorhexidine-based CET Oral Rinse can help soothe gum inflammation and kill harmful bacteria involved in plaque buildup and progressive periodontal disease. No matter which dental product or group of products used, I can’t stress enough the importance for animal guardians to be actively and regularly involved in their pet’s long term dental care.
