Pet owners want their loved ones to have a good diet, regular exercise, and lots of love, but there’s one thing that’s often overlooked: oral care.
Dogs and cats aren’t known for having minty-smelling breath, but if their breath is particularly bad, it could be a sign of problems with their teeth or gums. Poor dental health could also be a sign of more serious health issues.
Maintaining oral hygiene by having a yearly veterinarian checkup and teeth cleaning can cost hundreds of dollars per treatment. Luckily, there are cost-saving ways to keep your pet’s teeth healthy, especially at home.
Why your pet’s dental health is important
Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall health. Just like with human teeth, plaque and tartar can build up. Over time, poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems, including periodontal disease, tooth loss, and infections that can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Cats with periodontal disease were 1.5 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, while dogs were 2.3 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and 6.3 times more likely to develop endocarditis.
Such illnesses occur because infected bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, causing systemic health problems. Proactive dental care can not only prevent this, but also save pet owners from expensive medical treatments down the line.
Common dental problems in pets
In humans, dental care may be as little as a filling or two (hear the dreaded drilling noise!). Luckily, only about 5 percent of dogs, and even fewer cats, have cavities that require fillings. Instead, they’re more susceptible to other dental problems, like periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease develops when tartar and plaque build up on the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation of your pet’s gums and allow bacteria to penetrate the gum line and damage the teeth and tooth roots. It is the most serious and common dental disease in pets.
Periodontal disease is so prevalent that over 80% of dogs and over half of cats will start to show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three.
Periodontal disease can lead to serious health complications if not addressed promptly, so early detection and preventive care are important, but there are other common problems in pets to look out for:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis, also known as the first stage of periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, causing red, swollen gums, bleeding, and bad breath. Gingivitis is common, but can be cured with the right treatment.
- Malocclusion: Malocclusion is when your teeth or jaw are misaligned. It can lead to oral health problems, including pain, abscesses, and broken teeth.
- Oral cysts: Oral cysts are abnormal fluid pouches that develop from teeth and oral tissues. There are two main types of cysts: dentigerous cysts, which form from unruptured or impacted teeth, and radicular cysts, which develop from infection of the tooth or tooth root.
- Oral infections: Untreated periodontal disease and trauma to your pet’s mouth are the two leading causes of oral infections in pets. Oral infections such as root and dental infections, resorptive lesions, and abscesses can be very dangerous if left untreated and can lead to bacteremia (bacteria entering the bloodstream).
- Oral Tumors: According to the Atlantic Journal of Veterinary Medicine & Oncology, benign oral tumors can occur in pets, but malignant oral melanomas account for 30 to 40 percent of all tumors in dogs.
- Broken teeth: Hard plastic toys and treats like bones and antlers can break your pet’s teeth, which often exposes the sensitive interior of the tooth and requires extraction or root canal treatment.
At-home dental care for your pet
Daily dental care can begin at home by checking your pet’s mouth frequently for bad breath, red or swollen gums, and brownish plaque. Below are three at-home care tips to help prevent dental problems:
1. Brush your pet’s teeth
Humans typically brush their teeth once or twice a day. Your pet’s teeth deserve the same attention. Brushing their teeth, if not every day, then at least three or four times a week, is one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush designed for pets and a pet-safe toothpaste. Human toothpastes may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets, and pet toothpastes come in flavors that pets are accustomed to, such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Getting your pet to cooperate will take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. It’s best to start as young as possible, says Dr. Suma Rao of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “First, have the puppy lick the toothpaste off your fingers. Then use a finger brush with toothpaste on it.” After that, you can move on to a pet-safe toothbrush.
2. Choose effective dental foods and treats
Dry food is a popular staple for reducing plaque, and some pet food companies offer special dental care products that contain larger pellets that encourage pets to chew instead of swallowing whole, as well as special coatings that break down plaque and tartar.
Dental treats for dogs and cats can also be effective in reducing periodontal disease, especially for cats, as many cats hate having their teeth brushed.
However, treats aren’t for everyone, so when choosing dental gum, make sure the treats are sized to fit your pet’s mouth and are large enough to reach all parts of the mouth to clean effectively.
Other pet dental products include water additives, oral gels/sprays, wipes, etc. The Veterinary Oral Health Council also has a list of dental products that have been tested and approved.
3. Introduce safe pet teething toys
Not only will dental toys keep your pet entertained for hours, but they can also help clean their teeth. As with dental treats, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing a dental toy.
- Look for toys made from natural, durable materials, like rubber, that are less likely to damage your pet’s teeth even if they are chewed hard.
- Avoid toys that are too hard as they can damage teeth.
- Find toys that have indentations and ridges, as these are great for cleaning teeth and massaging gums.
Always supervise your pet while playing with the teething toy to make sure they don’t chew and swallow large pieces.
When to see a vet if you have concerns about your pet’s dental health
Because most dental disease begins below the gum line, having your pet’s teeth and gums examined by a veterinarian or dental professional is an essential part of their health care. Additionally, Dr. Lynn Happel, executive director of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), recommends annual dental cleanings. During this procedure, your pet will be under general anesthesia and x-rays will be taken to detect any dental problems.
Pets are good at hiding symptoms, so owners can miss early warning symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and annual dental cleanings are important. Signs that it’s time to visit your vet for dental care include:
- bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Excessive drooling
- nasal discharge
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Yellow or brown residue (tartar) on the teeth
Dental care covered by pet insurance
To the relief of many pet owners, some pet insurance plans cover the cost of dental care. Teeth cleanings can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and tooth extractions can be costly. Pet insurance can serve as a safety net to help manage dental costs.
Pet dental care can be included as part of a stand-alone health plan or as an add-on to your pet insurance. Both options can help mitigate the costs associated with veterinary dental care, including:
- Dental emergencies
- extraction
- Oral Surgery
- Root canal treatment
- Teeth cleaning
With pet dental insurance, you’ll typically pay premiums ranging from $17 to $56 per month for dogs and $10 to $32 per month for cats. There will also be deductibles and co-payments. When you factor in out-of-pocket costs for dental care, the upfront cost of pet dental insurance can save you money in the long run.
If you want a pet insurance company that offers dental care, read the fine print carefully to see what is and isn’t included in the policy.
Conclusion
Like people, pets need proper dental care to prevent disease and maintain their overall health and happiness. Daily dental care at home, regular veterinary checkups, and professional teeth cleanings can help your pet prevent tooth loss, bad breath, oral sores, and most importantly, periodontal disease.
Purchasing pet insurance that covers dental care can also help reduce out-of-pocket costs for routine oral exams and dental-related emergencies.
