Dental disease in dogs and cats: why you should brush your dog’s teeth! Part 1

Dental disease is all too common in our pets. Every time you go to the dentist the hygienist gives you advice on how to better care for your teeth. Does your veterinarian suggest how to take the best care of your pet’s teeth?

When your pet is getting his annual exam, be sure that the mouth is opened and there is a thorough oral exam. Not only ask but take a careful look to see how your pet’s teeth look. Inquire about what you might be doing at home to help your pet maintain a healthy mouth.

The simplest suggestion is one that will help both canines and felines: limit feed dry food. Canned food tends to leave a paste residue over the surface of the teeth. Free feeding (the food is allowed to stay out all day) and nibbling throughout the day is no better for your pet’s teeth than frequent snacking is for our teeth. Every time we eat, more plaque is left on the teeth.

Dental diets and treats may help some, but not at all if your pets doesn’t chew them thoroughly, and some pets, especially cats and small dogs, may simply swallow them whole. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth. (The same could be said for our cats, but while few cats will allow us to brush their teeth, almost all dogs can be trained to have their teeth brushed.) We are only talking about 1 to 2 minutes daily.

When you adopt a puppy, you should get him used to your opening his mouth and looking around. When you need to give your pet a pill, the process will be much easier; it will be possible to pull something out of his mouth if you need to, and once his adult teeth have all erupted (about 6 months of age), you can begin brushing his teeth. Until this time he will be getting used to your handling and playing with his mouth.

For most dogs a small or pediatric tooth brush works well. A used brush (with the bristles somewhat crushed) is great. Always use a veterinary tooth paste. Human paste actually contains soap and is not meant to be swallowed, and pets hate the foaming action of our tooth paste. In addition, because we live so much longer than our pets, their past can be much more abrasive (and effective) than ours.

Push the paste down into the bristles, hold your pet’s mouth closed (pets hate to have their mouth forced open), lift the cheek on one side of the mouth and brush away. You are mostly interested in brushing the surfaces of the maxillary (upper) teeth. These actually scrape off and clean the lower teeth as your pet chews. Be sure to include the last molars on each side as well as his fangs (canine teeth). Check his incisors (the smaller teeth between the canines) carefully. Many (especially large breed) dogs maintain healthy, clean incisors and they don’t appreciate your brushing them (because you are often closing you pet’s nose while you try to get to these teeth). However, some dogs (especially smaller breeds) accumulate heavy tartar and plaque between these smaller teeth and the gums become red and irritated as they recede. If a careful examination shows anything but perfect incisors and gum tissue, this area will need to be brushed also. While you are at it, check the lower incisors. In some dogs this can be a real problem area and may also need your attention. On a weekly basis I try to hold my pet’s mouth open and briefly brush the inside surfaces, but this is difficult (and often ineffective) and the inside surfaces tend to accumulate much less tartar than the outside surfaces.

We’ll continue this discussion in another week!