February is National Pet Dental Health Month and our team at Smithtown Animal Hospital is taking the opportunity to stress the importance of dental health care for your cat or dog. Your pet’s wellbeing is based on their lifestyle—nutrition, exercise, and yes, their dental health—and dental disease prevention is based on at-home and professional dental care. We provide tips to help ensure your pet enjoys optimal dental health throughout the years. 

Pet dental health impacts overall wellbeing

We have come a long way in understanding the connection between oral hygiene and overall health, yet many pet owners remain unaware and too often forgo their pet’s dental care, such as toothbrushing. 

Poor dental hygiene can lead to many problems, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and systemic issues, as well as heart, liver, and kidney disease once the bacteria enter the bloodstream.  If the disease does reach the most advanced stages, a pet’s life may be shortened by as much as two to three years.

Dental disease signs in pets require close observation

Our pets cannot tell us that they are suffering and in pain, and often their signs go unnoticed. Dental disease signs in particular are subtle, but owners should watch for the following:

  • Bad or unpleasant breath
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty eating or dropping food
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Loose, cracked, or missing teeth

Promptly call our team at Smithtown Animal Hospital if you see changes in your pet’s oral health. 

Establish an at-home dental routine for your pet

You can take proactive steps to prevent dental problems and keep your cat or dog’s teeth bright and healthy. The steps include professional checkups and cleanings, supplemented by an at-home routine, which should include:

  • Toothbrushing — Practice toothbrushing, preferably daily, but three times per week at a minimum. Use pet-safe toothpaste—never use human toothpaste, which is toxic to pets—and a soft, pet-specific toothbrush. Our team can instruct you on toothbrushing should your pet resist. 
  • Dental chews and toys — Chews and toys that promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar are available. Choose products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which certifies they have been proven safe and efficient. 
  • A well-balanced diet — Feed your pet a diet formulated for their specific breed and health needs—minimally processed foods that include healthy fats are generally a good choice. Ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.
  • Dental additives — The ingredients in food and water additives supplement your pet’s diet and help eliminate the oral bacteria and reduce plaque and tartar formation.
  • Scheduling wellness exams — Make regular appointments for your pet’s routine wellness exams, which will include a dental exam.

Professional dental cleanings for pets 

Most pets require professional dental cleanings, because dental disease has been shown to affect up to 80% of pets 3 years of age or older.  Professional cleanings are safe and effective and should be started early—usually at 1 year of age for small-breed dogs and cats and 2 years for large-breed dogs. Veterinary cleanings are the most effective method for removing stubborn plaque and tartar and addressing underlying issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Veterinary cleanings include:

  • A thorough exam under anesthesia — Our veterinary team will assess the health of each tooth, checking for pockets that may have formed under the gum line and for damaged teeth. Your pet will be anesthetised, because they need to be completely still for the exam and for X-rays. Anesthesia also keeps your pet and the veterinary team safe, and means your pet will be less anxious.
  • Dental digital X-rays — Through these X-rays, we can assess the entire mouth cavity and the root structure that surrounds the teeth and determine the treatment, such as extractions, that may be necessary. 
  • Treatments — These may be required to extract damaged teeth and suture pockets in the gums.
  • Scaling — Scaling the teeth cleans below the gum line and helps reduce the accumulated bacteria.
  • Polishing — This process further cleans the teeth and smooths them, so they are more resistant to bacteria and plaque. 

Your veterinarian will recommend how frequently (i.e., yearly or twice-yearly) your pet needs a professional teeth cleaning.

Ensuring proper dental care for your pet is not only about maintaining a sparkling smile, but also about safeguarding their overall health and quality of life. Our Smithtown Animal Hospital team encourages you to prioritize your pet’s dental hygiene. Contact us to schedule your pet’s wellness and dental exams. You will love their fresh breath and sparkling teeth!