The importance of your pet’s oral hygiene and health cannot be overemphasized, because their dental health positively or negatively affects their general well-being. Most veterinarians recommend regular examinations and cleanings (i.e., yearly or twice-yearly) to keep pets free from dental disease, also known as periodontitis.

Our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team wants to keep your pet safe from dental decay, missing teeth, and other dental problems. Here, we explain why dental health is vital for your pet.

What is pet dental disease?

Dental disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is one of the most common diseases that affects pets, with the majority experiencing dental problems at some level by age 3.  Periodontal disease affects more than your pet’s oral health. Although the disease begins as mild gingivitis, it quickly progresses to tooth decay, infection, severe pain, and eventually to heart, kidney, and liver damage.

Pet dental disease progresses through four stages.

  • Stage 1: Gingivitis — Gums are red rather than pink and inflamed (i.e., gingivitis) and plaque left by food has developed on the teeth. No disease signs are visible at this stage.
  • Stage 2: Early periodontitis — Some bone loss has occurred, along with the gingivitis. The pet’s breath is often unpleasant—often the first detectable disease sign—and they will likely have some pain.
  • Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis — Inflammation is more severe and the plaque has hardened into bacteria-laden tartar, which is damaging the gums. Significant bone loss is occurring and the pet may refuse hard food or find chewing difficult because of their severe pain. 
  • Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis — The accumulated bacteria continue to damage the gums, teeth, and dental supportive structures. At this stage, the pet needs immediate veterinary intervention, because the bacteria will move into the bloodstream and throughout the body, damaging the heart, kidneys, and liver, and putting the pet’s life at risk.

Why are professional dental cleanings important?

Clearly, dental disease in pets is serious, and pet owners must care for their pet’s teeth through supportive regular at-home toothbrushing, but most importantly through routine wellness exams and cleanings by the veterinary team. 

Routine wellness screenings, which include dental checks, are the only way to detect and treat problems early and to clean your pet’s teeth thoroughly to prevent further illness.

What is a professional dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning involves the removal of noxious plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup and following up with tooth extractions and pain medication as needed. Steps include:

  • Oral exam — First, our veterinary team will thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth and order blood work to ensure your pet can handle anesthesia. Some pet owners question whether their pet really needs anesthesia, which we understand. However, your pet needs to be completely still during the cleaning, for their safety and ours, and to allow us to clean their teeth effectively.
  • Dental digital X-rays — These X-rays are required so we can see your pet’s mouth in more detail. They also require your pet to be anesthetized. 
  • Probing and repairing — We will probe the teeth and gums looking for periodontal pockets, which are gaps where bacteria can flourish, causing more harm, such as decay or loosening. We will also look for any gingivitis signs, such as bleeding and inflammation, and assess the need for tooth extractions.
  • Scaling and polishing — Finally, we will scale and polish your pet’s teeth. We want them to leave with the whitest teeth and the brightest smile.

How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the timing depends on a number of factors. However, no matter the pet’s size, breed, or diet, the bottom line is that all pets require regular veterinary dental care supplemented by at-home toothbrushing. We recommend that dental exams begin at 1 year of age for cats and small dogs, and 2 years of age for large-breed dogs. 

We also generally recommend yearly or twice yearly exams and cleanings, but factors that affect frequency include:

  • Age — It’s best to start your pet on a regular dental care routine when they are young, or as early as possible, to help ensure strong and healthy teeth later in life. Older pets’ teeth have more wear and tear and often require more frequent cleanings.
  • Breed — The breed and size of your pet is another variable. Small-breed dogs are prone to dental problems because of their small mouths and brachycephalic breeds (i.e., flat-faced pets) are particularly predisposed because of their facial abnormalities and overcrowded teeth.
  • Diet — Nutrition also plays a role in your pet’s oral health. Dental diets and chews are available—our team can recommend products that best suit your pet.

Dental disease is insidious in that no signs are visible until the condition has advanced. However, being proactive with your pet’s oral hygiene from a young age can help keep them disease free throughout their life. Most important are professional cleanings, and Westerville Veterinary Clinic offers all levels of pet dentistry. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your pet’s dental exam and tooth cleaning.