We all love to see our dog’s happy grin when we get home from a long day at work, but how often do you actually look at his grin?

Like in people, dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s overall health. Oral problems in animals can be difficult to recognize – most animals continue eating, playing and other normal activities until the problem is severe.

Any signs of oral sensitivity, such as decreased interest in chew toys, licking the lips more often, salivating, or decreased appetite may indicate your animal has a severe dental problem.

Severely damaged teeth can lead to more serious systemic issues. Food, and the bacteria that it carries, can travel into the tooth root. From there, it has an easy entrance into the bloodstream, which can lead to dangerous amounts of damage to the heart, liver and kidneys.

Many things can be done to slow the progression of dental diseases. All owners can attempt brief oral exams at home – most dogs and some cats will allow you to at least examine their faces, breath and front teeth. Facial swelling, especially beneath the eyes, or an increase in bad breath are good indicators that your pet needs dental care from your veterinarian. If possible, you should examine your pet’s teeth once a month. The incisors and canines are the teeth in the front of the mouth, and are readily visible in all animals. Gently lifting the lips to examine the premolars and molars. Swollen gums, discolored teeth, large amounts of tartar or fractured teeth are all strong signs that your pet should get dental treatment from your vet.

Many products are available for home dental care. Toothbrush kits are available from your veterinarian – never use human toothpaste on your pets because the fluoride may be toxic. If trained early, many pets readily accept a daily or weekly brushing. In animals that are unwilling to endure the brushing, a dental spray may be used to provide some anti-plaque coverage. Many dental treats are available that help knock tartar buildup from the teeth. Our patients are particularly fond of Hill’s T/D! Some studies have shown that these dental treats may be as effective as daily brushing in dogs!

With more advanced dental disease, an annual dental cleaning with your veterinarian is strongly advised. Just as is done with your dentist every year, your pet’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and scaled. The entire mouth is examined for signs of dying or dead teeth or for gingival damage. Seriously damaged teeth may be extracted – which often helps your animal’s mouth heal more quickly. Finally, the teeth are polished with an anti-plaque paste that helps slow the progression of oral disease.

If you think your pet may have dental disease, or if you would like help in examining your pet’s mouth more thoroughly, please contact your veterinarian. Nobody likes to go through life with a bad smile!

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