Most pet owners understand why toothbrushing is important for humans—it prevents plaque, bacteria, cavities, and gum disease that could lead to tooth loss or costly and painful dental procedures. Despite this understanding, many people fail to recognize that dogs and cats require the same dental care to prevent many of the same problems. Failure to participate in your pet’s oral health can lead to pricey and painful issues down the line.

In addition to causing your pet pain, dental disease can cause secondary problems that affect systemic health and longevity. The Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team firmly believes that caring for your pet’s oral health is crucial to their overall wellbeing. Here is a pet dental disease overview and how toothbrushing and other oral care measures could save your pet’s life.

Periodontal disease and other common pet dental conditions

Periodontal disease is the most common dental issue in pets and the one we refer to when discussing “dental disease.” The process begins when sticky plaque coats the teeth, trapping bacteria near and under the gumline. Over time, the bacteria continue to build up and proliferate, and plaque hardens into irritating tartar. Bacteria that migrate below the gumline damage and inflame the gum tissues, attack the tooth ligaments and other attachments and erode the bone anchoring the teeth. Tooth root infections and bone erosion can be painful and lead to dysfunctional chewing or eating patterns. Your pet may not show obvious pain but could become withdrawn, irritable, or uninterested in normal activities. Other painful oral conditions in pets include tooth fractures, tooth resorption, oral inflammation (i.e., stomatitis), tooth root abscesses, and oral cysts.

Pet dental disease complications

The most likely complication of untreated dental disease in pets is pain, which can significantly affect their quality of life. Bad breath, difficulty chewing, and difficulty playing with toys also may result. More serious complications can include jawbone fractures from weakened bone, impacted teeth, and sinus or eye socket infections that travel up from the tooth roots. Additionally, severe gum disease and infection can affect major organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver, if bacteria get into the bloodstream. The damage to these vital organs can shorten your pet’s life span significantly.

Treating pet dental disease

Once dental disease takes hold, the only effective treatment is an anesthetized professional dental cleaning and assessment. Pets must be anesthetized to keep everyone safe and to ensure a thorough and comprehensive examination and treatment without causing them undue stress or pain. Only veterinary professionals are qualified to perform a professional dental cleaning on your pet, which includes the following steps:

  • Tooth scaling above and below the gumline
  • Tooth polishing
  • X-rays to examine the 60% of the tooth hidden below the gumline
  • Full oral and dental examination and charting
  • Periodontal treatments
  • Extractions as necessary

Professional cleanings are most effective when used as a preventive tool to remove plaque and bacteria before damage to the tooth attachments occurs. Many small dog breeds require professional dental care annually or more frequently because they experience more severe and progressive disease. Large dogs may go several years between cleanings, depending on their individual genetics. Cats often suffer from dental issues other than periodontal disease, so the frequency of recommended treatments may vary. The best way to determine your pet’s current oral health and recommended care is to schedule annual wellness and dental examinations with our team.

Preventing pet dental disease

Remember when we said that toothbrushing could save your pet’s life? Toothbrushing is the gold standard in preventive oral health care for pets because it is the most effective way to ward off disease and prevent serious complications—such as heart damage—from occurring. Before you laugh at the idea, consider that most dogs and many cats can be easily trained to accept brushing as part of their daily routine if their owners commit to the process. Check out this video to get started in a stress-free manner.

Toothbrushing and other approaches to home dental care can help to extend the time needed between professional cleanings, but they don’t entirely eliminate the need. In addition to brushing, you can provide your pet with oral care chews, treats, diets, sprays, gels, or water additives that reduce plaque buildup and kill harmful oral bacteria. Check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for a list of safe, effective products recommended by veterinary dentistry specialists. 

Pets often are considered family members and, like your human family, their dental health is of the utmost importance. Untreated dental disease is painful and costly and can cause serious secondary health concerns, but preventive care can reduce the incidence and impact. Contact the Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team to schedule a dental examination and consultation or to learn more about professional dental cleaning.