What Big Shiny Teeth You Have 

By Kim Maynard, DVM

Who can resist the kisses from a happy pup or the contented purr of your feline friend curled up on your chest? If your pet has dental disease, however, this affection may be less than pleasant. Strong breath odors may be a warning sign of dental disease, which can cause an array of health problems for your pet. The process begins when soft plaque from food builds up on the teeth. This eventually hardens to become cement-like tartar, which irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed. Gingivitis shows itself as red swollen gums in the area where the tooth connects to the mouth. As the condition progresses, the ligament that holds the tooth weakens and bacteria and plaque can travel up the root. This, in turn, can lead to a tooth root abscess or even cause the tooth to loosen and eventually fall out. The pain from this can cause your pet to decrease their appetite, become lethargic, or even paw or rub at their mouth. And on rare occasions, the infection can enter the blood stream and travel to other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver, or heart. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush your pet’s teeth before the hard tartar has accumulated. Ideally, you should brush daily, but even once or twice a week can make a difference. Use a soft, small toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for cats and dogs. If your pet is not cooperative, try gently wiping the teeth with the toothpaste on a damp paper towel. A tasty reward after the brushing will help make your pet more cooperative the next time. For those pets that absolutely refuse the brushing, there are diets and chew toys available that will provide some relief. Once your pet has hard plaque and/or periodontal disease, he or she will need a dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian. Your pet’s teeth are examined during every wellness visit and your doctor can tell you if a dental cleaning is needed. The best way to do a thorough cleaning and inspection is under anesthesia. The pockets around the teeth can then be carefully cleaned and all the teeth can be evaluated for looseness, abscesses, and enamel lesions, also known as cavities. These are not filled, however, because research has shown that in animals, fillings will not stop or slow down the progression of the dental disease and the tooth ends up having to be pulled. So it is best to extract those teeth, as well as any loose and infected teeth, at the time of the dental cleaning. All other teeth will be cleaned and polished, and your veterinarian may apply a compound, which has been shown to slow plaque buildup. So the next time you notice a foul smell coming from your pet’s mouth, take a look inside. They may be hiding a mouthful of inflammation and infection, and breathing in your face is a way of asking for your help. And you will be only too happy to comply.