Most pet owners are familiar with the experience: that blast of stinky air when your dog or cat breathes in your face. Animals aren’t known for having minty fresh breath, but if the smell is really bad, it could be a warning sign that a bacteria build-up in your pet’s mouth is causing more serious health problems, namely periodontal disease.
I’ll bite: What’s periodontal disease?
Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in animals, according to the American Veterinary Dental Association (AMVA). Symptoms include gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red and inflamed, or periodontitis, where the bones and tissues around the teeth are eaten away.
Just like humans, it all begins with plaque: a sticky build-up on teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth. The plaque is then hardened by minerals in saliva, at which point it becomes tartar. If plaque and tartar get under the gum line, they can cause serious problems for your pet’s oral well-being in a few different ways.
First of all, the bacteria build-up itself excretes a toxin that can eat away at gum tissue. This also stimulates the animal’s immune system, causing a surge of white blood cells meant to fight off the infection.
The chemicals released by the white blood cells can actually do further damage to the tissue holding the teeth in place. Bacteria build-up in the mouth not only causes bad breath and gum disease, but can actually travel through the body, affecting the major organs.
How to train your pet for tooth-brushing
The good news is, as with humans, good oral hygiene can help Fido to fight off the symptoms of periodontal disease. If you’re not sure how to begin, the AMVA has an official video with step-by-step instructions on how to train your cat or dog to tolerate having their teeth brushed. They recommend getting into the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth at least every few days, along with regular checkups at the vet’s.
The right supplies are important. Make sure to use toothpaste designed for pets – flavors like beef or chicken help make toothbrush time fun. Ingredients in human toothpaste like fluoride and the foaming action can be hard on your pet’s stomach.
Toys and chewies can help protect teeth
You can also use toys and treats, like rawhide, rubber chewies, and string toys which all help clean your pet’s teeth through the mechanical action of chewing. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet for recommendations as well.
Warning signs of pet dental problems
Preventative maintenance is important, but if your pet shows any warning signs like terrible breath, rubbing at the face or mouth, trouble eating, swollen gums or brown teeth, it’s too late for that ounce of prevention and time for a pound of cure: be sure to book a vet appointment for your furry friend, so he can have his teeth professionally cared for.
About 70 percent of pets over the age of three have some degree of periodontal disease, according to the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. While stinky doggie breath (or kitty breath) might just seem a superficial concern, the odor could be a warning that something more serious is wrong. So keep your furry friend healthy by getting into the habit of good oral hygiene, and maybe he’ll repay you by not breathing toxic fumes in your face.
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