QUESTION:  What are the different dental home care options for pets? If using these options, is it necessary to still have a professional cleaning performed?

ANSWER:

GENERAL INFORMATION: Dental disease is common in our pets, as well as humans.  The most common form of dental disease in people is cavities. In our pets, the most common form of dental disease is tartar buildup. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth, resulting in exposure of the roots. Ultimately, this leads to infection and tooth loss and can be a source of pain, causing a plethora of other health problems.

Whether a person, dog, cat, horse or some other animal, plaque is a gummy substance that forms on the teeth within a few hours after a meal. Within 24 hours, plaque starts to harden into tartar. Plaque removal can be performed using home care techniques, however once tartar forms, a professional cleaning is necessary. It should not be surprising then, that dental health requires periodic professional cleaning regardless of whom the mouth in question belongs to.

It is important to note that home care of the teeth is never perfect and it does not remove tartar buildup. Periodically this tartar must be properly removed and the tooth surface properly polished and disinfected. The professional cleaning performed at the veterinarian’s office is similar to what a person receives at their dentist’s office. Upon evaluation of your pet’s teeth, your veterinarian should discuss when professional dental cleaning is recommended for your pet. This may be every few years, but could be once, twice a year or even more frequent.

Home Care Products—these are effective aids in removing plaque, preventing the onset of tartar formation.

1) Tooth brushing and toothpaste—Brushing of the teeth is the most effective at-home means of removing plaque before it turns to tartar. Use an enzymatic toothpaste recommended for pets (Do NOT use human toothpaste on your pet as it is toxic to them). This needs to be done at least twice weekly (preferably daily), but we know not all our pets will tolerate it. Special brushes are made that make this task easier.

2) Water Additives—For many people, doing anything inside their pet’s mouth on a regular basis is simply never going to happen. Fortunately, all is not lost: using a “mouthwash” that is added to your pet’s drinking water is effective. This type of product reduces the bacterial count and plaque deposits from the surface of the tooth in the mouth. These products are best used daily.

3) Dental Diets—This is a food that has been shown to greatly reduce tartar buildup. It is formulated as a dry food and is composed of large pieces. Because the pieces are too large to be swallowed whole, your pet has to chew them. The food contains fibers that scrape the plaque off of the teeth without damaging the enamel. By removing plaque as it forms, tartar formation is greatly diminished.

4) Dental Treats—Chewing on a proper dental chew can reduce plaque by up to 69%. This may not be as good as brushing but it certainly is better than doing nothing.

Using any or combination of the above home care options as part of preventative dental care will help to delay onset of dental disease between scheduled professional cleanings. It is important to note, however, these options still do not replace the need for a dental cleaning if your veterinarian recommends one needs to be performed.