If your pet’s breath causes your nose to wrinkle, they may have periodontal disease. This condition starts early in life, and should be addressed through appropriate, regular dental care to prevent significant health issues for your pet. Our Sixes Animal Hospital at Bridgemill team wants to provide information about pet oral health and dental care to ensure your pet’s mouth remains clean and fresh.

Pet periodontal disease

After a meal, food particles left in your pet’s mouth attract bacteria that form plaque on their  teeth, and if not removed, the plaque calcifies and accumulates as tartar. Tartar has a rough surface that attracts bacteria, allowing more plaque to build up. These bacterial deposits cause inflammation inside your pet’s mouth that leads to soft tissue and bone destruction. Most pets have some degree of dental disease by the time they are 3 years of age, and complications include halitosis, loose, painful teeth, missing teeth, and tooth root abscesses. In addition, the bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream and damage organs including the kidneys, heart, and liver. Periodontal stages are as follows:

  • Stage 1 — Gingivitis is the first periodontal stage. The pet’s gums are inflamed, but have no bone loss and fully intact tooth attachment. Signs include red, puffy gums, bad breath, and gums that bleed during chewing.
  • Stage 2 — In stage two periodontal disease, 25% or less of the tooth’s attachment and supporting structures are lost. Dental X-rays may show mild bone loss, and mildly abnormal periodontal pocketing may be present. Signs include red, puffy gums, bad breath, bleeding gums, and gum recession.
  • Stage 3 — In stage three periodontal disease, 25% to 50% of the tooth’s attachment and supporting structures are lost. Dental X-rays show moderate to severe bone loss, and abnormal periodontal pockets are present. Signs include red, puffy gums, bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession, and loose teeth.
  • Stage 4 — In stage four periodontal disease, more than 50% of the tooth’s attachment and supporting structures are lost. X-rays show severe bone loss, and significantly abnormal periodontal pockets are present. Signs include tooth root exposure, loose and missing teeth, and evident tooth infection.

Professional veterinary dental cleaning for pets

A professional veterinary dental cleaning is the only way to effectively remove the dangerous bacteria under your pet’s gum line. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that pets 1 to 2 years old receive regular veterinary dental cleanings, which entail:

  • Blood work — We perform routine blood work, including a complete blood count and a biochemistry profile, to assess your pet’s overall health status.
  • Anesthesia — We anesthetize your pet to reduce their stress and ensure the procedure can be performed safely and thoroughly. 
  • Dental X-rays — Only about 50% of the tooth’s structure can be visualized, so we need dental X-rays to get a complete view of your pet’s dental health.
  • Dental examination — We closely examine your pet’s teeth, probing around each tooth for periodontal pockets and any other abnormalities, and record these findings in your pet’s veterinary record.
  • Tooth scaling —  We use a professional dental scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and from under the gum line. 
  • Tooth polishing — During the scaling process, microscopic scratches that attract bacteria are created on the tooth surface, so we polish your pet’s teeth to smooth the surface.

Your pet’s teeth should be evaluated at least once a year to determine how often they need a professional veterinary dental cleaning. Toy breed dogs and brachycephalic pets, such as Boston terriers, pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats, are at higher risk for periodontal disease and may need more frequent attention. 

At-home dental care for pets

Plaque starts to form in as little as six hours after a professional dental cleaning, which means at-home dental care is also important for your pet’s healthy teeth. Tips to care for your pet’s teeth in between professional veterinary dental cleanings include:

  • Brush your pet’s teeth — Daily toothbrushing is the best way to promote your pet’s oral health. Ensure you use pet-specific products, since human dental products can be toxic to pets, and avoid baking soda, since the high alkaline content can upset the acid balance in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Many pet-friendly toothpastes are available in appealing flavors, such as poultry, beef, peanut butter, and seafood. In addition, ensure you use a soft toothbrush that won’t irritate your pet’s gums. 
  • Provide dental chews — Chewing can help scrape plaque from your pet’s teeth, and many products contain enzymes that promote your pet’s oral health. Choose dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to ensure they are effective. 

Appropriate dental care improves your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. If you would like to schedule a professional veterinary cleaning, contact our team at Sixes Animal Hospital at Bridgemill, so we can ensure their mouth is clean and healthy.