February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but maintaining good dental health for pets is important year-round, as dental problems can also affect overall health.
Dr. Adriana Regalado, a clinical assistant professor of dentistry at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers insights into the importance of good dental health and how personalized cleaning routines can significantly improve quality. of life for pets, preventing unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Importance of Good Oral Health
The mouth is the first stop for food in the gastrointestinal system and is home to a variety of bacteria, including some that are beneficial for digestion and others that can be harmful to health if allowed to proliferate. The teeth of pet cats and dogs are covered with a layer of good bacteria, saliva, and some food debris, but if the layer is not removed within a few days, it will become thicker and stickier.
An overgrowth of harmful bacteria or toxins in a pet’s mouth can cause periodontal disease, a common dental condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
“Dental care and hygiene is very important because it can have such a profound effect on the animals’ bodies,” Regalado said. “If an animal has severe dental disease, they can ingest harmful bacteria and toxins along with food particles, causing negative changes in other parts of their body.”
Small molecules, such as cytokines and leukotrienes, are released by cells to control the body’s response to disease, but too much of these molecules can lead to excessive inflammation and cause damage to inflamed gums and bones.
“Good dental health prevents periodontal disease and the chronic inflammation associated with it, which, in turn, controls the excessive production of cytokines and leukotrienes that circulate in the body and ultimately cause the feeling of your pet who isn’t feeling well, compromising their immune system and vital organs in the process,” explains Regalado. “Dental hygiene can really make a difference in keeping your pet disease-free.”
Periodontal disease can lead to additional conditions that cause physical pain, including, but not limited to, tooth decay and sensitivity; gum recession and root exposure; the formation of an abscess, or a pocket of infection around the root of the tooth; and, in some cases, significant bleeding and a broken jaw.
Early recognition of signs of poor dental health allows owners to seek timely veterinary care and prevent the development of dental problems while reducing the risk of developing related issues. health.
“You should watch out for bad breath, red or bleeding gums, excessive or bloody drool, and sneezing that could be caused by an oronasal fistula, an abnormal connection between the mouth and nose,” says Regalado. “Owners also need to be aware of behavioral changes. They may notice that their pets scratch their faces; for example, if the cats are in a little pain, they will start rubbing their face. Friendly and playful dogs may suddenly not want to be touched in the face, want to interact with you, or want to play at the dog park.”
Regalado pointed out that if pets are in pain, they may also have difficulty eating and drinking.
Cleaning Routines
Good dental practices, which promote healthy teeth and gums, include brushing; feeding appropriate diets, such as including dental treats in the diet; and home monitoring.
“Teeth brushing and pet care go hand in hand because if your pet has a dental problem, such as an abnormal lump or bump in the mouth or a broken tooth, you will notice it right away while brushing,” Regalado said. “If you don’t brush regularly, a concern can get worse — that small lump could be a tumor that continues to grow to the point that your pet can’t swallow or has a broken tooth until your pet have a tooth abscess. ”
But not all dental care routines are one-size-fits-all, as individual pets may have unique dental needs that require personalized attention. Owners may also have needs to consider.
“Cleaning routines should be tailored to the individual pet by a veterinarian,” says Regalado. “For example, if you have a small breed dog, dental treatments and brushing will not be enough because their oral structures are more susceptible to periodontal disease. A veterinarian will likely recommend a specific type of toothpaste, a water supplement (such as a mouthwash for pets), and more frequent dental visits.
“Routines should also be tailored to the owner, something practical and achievable based on their abilities,” continued Regalado. “A veterinarian can help develop a dental hygiene routine that works best for you and your pet.”
Board-certified dentists can also be found through the American Veterinary Dental College, and the Veterinary Oral Health Council offers tips on dental products for owners.
By staying vigilant for signs of dental issues and implementing appropriate cleaning routines with the help of a veterinarian, pet owners can ensure that their pets maintain good oral health and general well-being, which will ultimately improve their quality of life.
Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics can be directed to [email protected].
