Open wide! Let’s talk teeth

Dental disease will affect most pets during their lifetime and is something that we commonly see in practice. In fact, periodontal disease (this is when the supporting structures of the teeth such as the gums, ligaments and bone become inflamed) is believed to affect over 87% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years of age!
Figures given by the royal veterinary college, see www.rvc.ac.uk (2017) So, it’s not just something that older pets get.
The good news is, there are some easy steps that you can do at home to help prevent your pet getting dental disease and ‘doggy breath’, which will allow you and your pet to snuggle up on the sofa together without the need for a peg on your nose!
What is dental disease?
Dental disease is caused by the bacteria that lurk in plaque, which is the invisible sticky film that forms on teeth after eating. If this plaque is not removed it can harden into tartar, which is the yellow and brown substance that you can see and smell (yes, this is the culprit for ‘doggy breath’!
These bacteria cause inflammation and damage to your pet’s gums, teeth, and even the bone around their tooth sockets – causing discomfort, pain and sometimes tooth loss.
How will I know if my pet has dental disease?
This can be tricky, as dental disease isn’t always obvious. More observable signs include:
• Bad breath
• Rubbing their face
• Dropping food when eating
• Difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Bleeding gums
• Tartar on teeth
Many of these signs occur when disease is advanced. A professional check can help to spot any problems early and you can take action before it progresses and becomes irreversible.
What can you do about it?
There are some important steps that you can do at home to help keep your pet’s pearly whites looking their very best:
1. Brush their teeth
This is still the best method of preventing dental disease and should be done at least once daily, using a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. For those pets that are brush-shy or to help get them used to having their teeth cleaned, try using a finger mitt instead.
2. Feed them a food designed to support dental health
Wet foods, in general, are more likely to stick to teeth and encourage plaque build-up. However, don’t assume that all dry foods will help prevent dental disease, stick to those that have been specifically designed to improve dental health.
3. Give them chew toys and safe chews
Chewing on toys and safe chews is a great way of helping to keep their teeth clean. However, it’s a good idea to always supervise any chewing activity.
4. Get their teeth checked regularly
Make sure your pet has their teeth checked at least twice a year and especially if they are showing any signs of mouth problems.
Come and see us for a FREE dental check!
During March, we are offering FREE nurse dental checks at our Park Vet Group Scraptoft Lane clinic. So, don’t delay, get your furry friend booked in today. Remember, even if they aren’t showing any signs, they could still have early dental disease, and acting now could save them from dental pain tomorrow!
Book by phoning Park Vet Group Scraptoft Lane on 0116 241 8326.
www.parkvetgroup.com