Vet column: Make sure you look after your pets' teeth

We should make sure our pets’ teeth are healthy and sound, as dental problems can result in problems throughout the body.

We all know about that dog breath smell or the cat with the fishy mouth. Now is the time to make sure your pets’ mouths are in tip-top condition.

For the next few months, Dunedin Vets are encouraging everyone to have their pets' mouths checked by a vet or nurse, who will advise you of any treatment required. There are special discounts and free samples to be had.

The initial bad smell you may encounter is caused by plaque, which is composed of clumps of bacteria, saliva components, debris from the mouth and inflammatory cells. After a while, this plaque calcifies and becomes tartar or dental calculus. Any bacteria in the plaque start to attack and destroy the gingiva, where the teeth enter the gums. This results in periodontal disease, which consists of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis can be reversed by treating and preventing by removing plaque. If left untreated, periodontitis will develop, with inflammation of the gum and surrounding tissues. The bone supporting the teeth can be affected, which ultimately results in tooth loss.

An x-ray of a dog's mouth (Image: Contributed)

Lots of studies have shown there is a relationship between periodontitis and disease of the liver, kidney and heart. Many dogs which develop heart conditions in later life can be traced back to them having severe dental disease when younger.

How can you stop your pet developing periodontal disease? Well, first and foremost, regular tooth brushing to control plaque is by far the best option. We recommend getting your new puppy or kitten used to you handling around their mouth and teeth from the earliest age and introducing them to brushing as soon as they are happy for you to do this. You need to be committed to do this on a daily basis, but by starting early and continuing the brushing, you will reap the rewards and your pets will have much healthier mouths.

Our veterinary nurses can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth; please ask at reception and make an appointment with a nurse. You should also make sure your pet has regular vet dental check-ups. All our clients on our pet health plan have these included in their plan.

When brushing your pet’s teeth, please do not use toothpaste designed for humans. Animals would swallow it and it contains chemicals that could upset your pet’s digestive tract. If it contains fluoride, it could be toxic to your pet. There are lovely flavoured toothpastes which can be swallowed and are available in flavours pets should love such as chicken, beef or fish. It has been shown that brushing alone, without any toothpaste can be just as effective at removing plaque.

Don’t underestimate the human-animal bonding which can occur when spending time toothbrushing with your pet. My Maine Coon cat Fiona loves having her teeth brushed, just as she loves being groomed. It is the time spent together that they love - and it does wonders for owners too.

Many pets, like Main Coon Fiona, love having their teeth brushed (Image: Contributed)

I acquired Fiona in her mature years and she has taken to have her teeth brushed. She is certainly happy with her canine and incisor teeth, maybe not so much with her molars.

Why not get the whole family involved? Children can be encouraged to brush pets’ teeth and this can encourage then to look after their own. Please ensure they are supervised and not likely to cause injury.

Not everyone has the time, motivation and ability to brush their pet’s teeth. Dogs may not have a suitable temperament or cats may not tolerate brushing. There are dietary supplement and chews which may help reduce plaque formation, but often calorie intake is forgotten about and quite marked weight increases can occur through purely giving dental treats.

When your vet or nurse examines your pet’s mouth, they will give advice on the level of plaque or tartar, and whether they consider dental work would be advisable for your pet. Pet dentistry does require anaesthetic and it is never without risk, but removing loose teeth and treating periodontitis can save your pet from many major conditions in later life.

If your pet is admitted for dental work, they will be treated as any animal undergoing a surgical procedure. A blood test would be recommended to ensure they are fit for an anaesthetic. They will be given intravenous fluids to maintain their circulation. They will be monitored closely at all times by a qualified veterinary nurse. They may require dental x-rays to be taken so the vet can assess the condition of the teeth below the gum margin. Loose teeth will be extracted, diseased teeth and periodontal problems assessed, and some teeth may have to be surgically extracted and gum defects sutured with dissolvable stitches.

An x-ray of a cat's mouth (Image: Contributed)

It is interesting to note that tooth decay or caries is quite uncommon in our pets. It is possible for pets to have fillings but this procedure is performed by specialist dental vets and is more commonly performed on recently fractured teeth.

It may come as a surprise to know that dental work makes up a sizable proportion or our veterinary surgical work. Many pet teeth have extremely long roots: think of the tip of an iceberg as the crown, with the vast majority of the tooth being beneath the gum margin. I find it extremely satisfying to successfully remove a dog’s canine tooth which has obviously been causing the patient much discomfort and suture the gum, resulting in a healthy mouth once more.

Please take time to check your pet’s teeth, if you can, and start the habit of regular brushing before the unbearable halitosis causes you to visit your vet. It may be too late to save teeth at this stage. Keep brushing!