Brush Up on Your Pet’s Oral Care

Periodontal disease is one of the most common ailments affecting our pets today. It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three and 70 percent of cats will suffer from dental issues in their lifetimes, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The disease is not often caught until the advanced stages and can cause pain, tooth loss, and even major organ damage or failure. Dedicated oral hygiene practices can help prevent the disease from advancing as quickly and keep your pet smiling for many years to come.

Periodontal disease in pets is caused by the same factor present in human dental issues: bacteria. The buildup of soft plaque in and around the gums and the hard tartar on the teeth combine and can lead to infection and inflammation. Other oral issues that can affect pets include cysts or tumors, bite misalignment, and extra teeth. Gingival hyperplasia, which is the overgrowth of gum tissue, can affect dog breeds such as Boxers, Pit Bulls, and Bulldogs.

If you notice any of the following signs, be sure to visit your vet to discuss treatment options:

• Bad breath

• Pain, bleeding and/or swelling within the mouth area

• Loose teeth

• Mouth or gum sore or sore spots

• Lack of appetite or avoidance of dry food

• Excessive drooling

• Dropping food while eating

• Behavioral changes such as irritability

At a minimum, a veterinarian should examine your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a year, more often if the pet has a history of dental issues.

To promote healthy oral hygiene practices, brushing the teeth is the preferred method of prevention. While daily brushing would be the most beneficial, even managing it a few times a week can be helpful. Even with regular brushing, many pets do require regular veterinary cleanings to remove tartar and plaque buildup and address damage. It is worth noting that most cleanings are done while the pet is under anesthesia, which does carry some risks; however, the rewards often outweigh them. Anesthesia is advised even for the best pets to tolerate the procedure.

The global pet oral health care market size is estimated to grow by $569.23 million from 2021 to 2026, according to Technavio. The that timeframe. While the market is dominated by brushes and toothpaste, other products that can help promote good oral hygiene include finger brushes, rinses, wipes, water additives, as well as chews and dry food designed to remove tartar. Be sure to use toothpaste or cleaner for the specific pet as human toothpaste has ingredients such as fluoride that can be harmful if ingested by animals. Ask your veterinarian for product suggestions with your pet in mind.

Ask your veterinarian or groomer if they would give you an overview of proper toothbrushing techniques, and then be sure to set aside time each day to brush pets’ teeth, possibly when you take care of other grooming duties. Brushing cats’ teeth might be a bit trickier than dogs’, but if you are consistent, the pet will hopefully grow accustomed to it. Online veterinary videos can be great refreshers on best practices if you need some help implementing this routine with your pets.