Your Pet's Teeth
by Dave Nicol
Introduction
Over the past 10 to 20 years there have been many great advances in veterinary care. One of the most important of these is the increasing awareness, recognition and treatment of dental disease in our pets.
Although overlooked by many as insignificant or 'something to keep an eye on', the truth is that dental disease is the commonest disease your pet is likely to be suffering from. Whilst not being as painful as a broken limb, animals with dental disease suffer chronic and acute pain from gum infections, broken teeth and bacterial spread through the circulation.
The signs of dental disease:- Bad breath
- Brown discolouration of the teeth
- Cracked or worn teeth
- Variable appetite
- Drooling Pawing at the mouth
- Pain when you touch the muzzle
- Bleeding gums
If your pet displays any of these signs then a visit to your vet for a check up is in order. However we also call dental disease the silent killer because many animals with problems won't appear ill at all.
A staggering national statistic is the around 80% of cats and dogs in the UK have painful dental disease. Hopefully via our ongoing education programs and annual Breath Busters promotion that figure is lower for clients of Parkvets. In spite of this we would estimate that your pet has a 50% chance of having a problem with its mouth.
When it's Left Too Late
Early dental disease can often be managed by simple daily brushing. All too often it is left. As a result the pet needs general anaesthetic for the vet to properly examine and treat the problem teeth because it is in too much discomfort to allow the mouth to be opened fully. Treatments can vary from a scale and polish right up to fillings and crowns in dogs!
Prevention of Dental Problems
Whatever the state of your pet's teeth, the bottom line is prevention is much better (not to mention cheaper, safer and easier) than cure. There are several simple ways in which you can keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy.
1. Stop feeding your pet rubbish! - Many commercial pet foods are very high in fats and sugars. An animal fed only tins or pouches of wet food will be at a massively increased risk of dental problems (and obesity).
2. Start feeding your pet Hill's T/D. This food is a prescription diet that actively cleans your pet's teeth when they chew it.
3. Brush your pet's teeth once every day with Virbac's enzymatic toothpaste. Do this from a young age if possible.
4. Rawhide chews and chew toys can help to keep a dog's teeth clean.
All of the above products are available at Parkvets so ask about them when you are next in. The food can be ordered from our online pet shop as well.
Summary
When you last had toothache you probably got it sorted out fast. Our pets will similarly suffer with toothache if an infection develops so why should they have to put up with it?
All too often they are unwittingly left to suffer in silence. Put what you have learned in this article to good use and take the first step now. Does your pet have smelly breath? If so then it's almost certainly got dental disease.
If you are unsure about possible problems with your pet's teeth, arrange a health check with your vet or take your pet along to a nurse clinic for a free initial assessment.
