Dental Health 101 for Your Pet

Your pet's dental health is an important part of his or her overall health and well-being. Without good oral hygiene, your furry friend can suffer in silence from inflamed, infected gums and tooth structure. Dedicate yourself to being your pet's dental health champion by learning how periodontal disease develops and how to manage the problem.

How many teeth do pets have?

Puppies get their first teeth at about 3 to 4 weeks old. They usually have all 28 by 3 to 5 months. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, which appear between 3 and 7 months. Cats have fewer teeth than dogs or people. Kittens have 26 baby teeth and 30 adult teeth.

What is periodontal disease in pets?

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in pets. This disease is caused by bacteria that damages the gums, bone, teeth, and supporting structures. Plaque forms on your pet's teeth shortly after eating. Plaque hardens into tartar in 24 hours. Tartar helps bacteria grow, which causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.

How many pets have dental disease?

New studies show that almost 90% of pets have periodontal disease by age two. Periodontal disease can go undiagnosed unless a full oral exam is done under anesthesia. An exam on an awake pet can miss signs of dental disease. Full-mouth X-rays and examining the back of the mouth are needed to find these signs.

Dental hygiene is important for your pet's overall health.

Bad breath is just one of many ways poor dental hygiene can affect your pet. Plaque and tartar can cause serious disease by leaching into the bloodstream and attacking organs like the heart and kidneys. Reducing plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth can prevent this from happening.

How can I take care of my pet’s oral health at home?

One of the most important things you can do to keep your pet’s teeth and mouth healthy and disease-free is regular at-home dental care. A home dental care regimen can prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss, and can be accomplished in a few minutes per day.

Here are some ways to get started with your pet’s dental care program:

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily — Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard of at-home dental care for pets. Choose a toothpaste formulated for pets, to ensure the paste is fluoride-free, and opt for a smaller child’s toothbrush or finger brush.
  

• Offer your pet approved dental treats and chews — Products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) have been proven to slow plaque and tartar accumulation. Not all dental products hold this claim, so look for the VOHC seal of acceptance when purchasing your pet’s treats and chews.
  

• Avoid toys and chews that are too hard for your pet’s teeth — Bones, antlers, and other hard chew toys may provide long-lasting entertainment, but they can easily fracture your pet’s teeth. Stick to chews that do not hurt when you bang the toy against your knee.
  

• Use water and food additives for extra oral health benefits — Some pets simply will not accept toothbrushing, but will tolerate food and water additives. These products often have beneficial enzymes that combat plaque formation.
  

• Switch to a dental health diet if your pet’s oral health is particularly poor — Certain breeds, like Yorkies, dachshunds, and Chihuahuas, are genetically predisposed to poor dental health. These breeds—or other pets who have poor oral health—may benefit from a prescription dental health diet.

In addition to your daily at-home dental care routine for your pet, it's important to rely on your veterinary team for additional support. Regular oral exams can help detect dental health issues, while professional veterinary cleanings ensure that all traces of plaque and tartar are removed.

Partnering with your veterinarian ensures that your pet's teeth are cleaned in hard-to-reach areas, such as below the gum line. Additionally, dental X-rays can identify hidden periodontal problems that may be causing your pet pain. Keeping your pet's teeth healthy is essential for their overall well-being and happiness.

A healthy mouth not only allows them to eat and play without discomfort but also prevents more serious health issues down the line, ensuring they live their best, happiest, and healthiest life.

Translated from the French language