Dental Home Care for Pets

 Dogs and cats get plaque on their teeth just like we do! Plaque is made of proteins (from saliva) and bacteria. If the plaque is not removed every day the bacteria will multiply rapidly and invade the gums around the teeth. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, results. If the plaque is still not removed the inflammation of the gums will spread to the bone around the teeth and cause bone loss or periodontal disease. Ultimately, the teeth have no bony support and may become loose or even fall out.

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible and periodontal disease is preventable! When plaque is removed by tooth brushing the gums and bone around the teeth will stay healthy. If plaque is not removed calculus or "tartar" will form when minerals from saliva cause the plaque to harden. Once calculus is present, a professional cleaning is needed to remove it. You can prevent calculus from forming by removing plaque every day with tooth brushing.

Tooth brushing should be introduced gradually. Don't force your pet's mouth open. Start by just sliding your finger under the cheek and running your finger along the teeth and gums. Do this every day for about a week, and always praise your pet during and afterwards, or give her a favorite toy when you are finished. When she is used to this, begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet toothpaste. (Human toothpaste contains foaming agents that can upset your pet's stomach. Fluoride is also not needed as dogs and cats don't usually get the same kind of cavities people do.) The paste should be pressed down into the bristles so the pet doesn't lick it off the brush. Start by brushing just a few teeth at a time. Hold the toothbrush at a 45' angle so the bristles go under the gumline. Only the outside surfaces of the teeth need to be brushed at first. Try to use a circular motion with the toothbrush if at all possible.

Brushing should be done at the same time every day so it becomes part of your pet's daily routine. Afterwards, give a reward such as a favorite toy, a walk, or lots of praise. Most dogs and some cats will actually learn to enjoy this daily ritual and will see it as extra attention from their favorite person.

Chewing activity: dogs that are active chewers are less likely to have plaque build-up. Chew toys such as Kong® toys, Plaque Attackers®, Gumabones®, or rawhide are recommended. Hard plastic bones, fresh bones, cow hooves, and sterilized real bones are too hard and may cause tooth fractures. Edible treats are often eaten too quickly to be of much benefit and may add significant calories to the diet.

Special diets: Hill's T/D diets, available through veterinarians for dogs and cats, and Friskies Dental Diet for cats help reduce plaque build-up, too. These are nutritionally complete so they can be fed as a maintenance food or can be used as treats if your pet is on a special diet.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.

About the author:

Information courtesy of Milinda Lommer, DVM, Staff Clinician, Dentistry & Oral Surgery Service U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California.

 Milinda Lommer, DVM