How To Tell When Your Pet Needs Its Teeth Cleaned

Clients are frequently surprised when I tell them that their pet needs a dental cleaning. They are shocked when I inform them that I suspect an extraction or two may occur. They often report that they just had them cleaned 2 or 3 years ago. How can the teeth be that bad? The pet is eating normally.

Most pet owners do not routinely examine their pet's mouth. This leads to the `out of sight, out of mind' philosophy. But studies have shown that 85% of dogs and cats over 4 years of age suffer from periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present, the boundary formed by the gums is compromised. Bacteria can now enter the blood stream where it preferentially goes to the liver, kidneys, joints and heart muscle and can potentially lead to irreversible damage.

I strongly recommend that all my pet owners routinely brush their pet's teeth as often as they can. Once a day is the gold standard. Get your pet used to having its mouth fussed with at an early age.  So how do you know if your pet needs its teeth professionally cleaned?  Flip the lip and take a sniff. Don't expect the breath to be pristine but it shouldn't knock you over. If it does, see your veterinarian.

Examine all of the teeth, not just the ones in front. Rather than opening the mouth in an attempt to glimpse of the teeth towards the rear of the oral cavity, merely pull the lips up and toward the ear at the point where the bottom lip meets the top. Pets have salivary glands that deposit digestive juices over the molars. This causes them to build up tartar more rapidly than the teeth in the front of the mouth, the incisors.

The teeth should be white in color with a smooth surface. If they are brown or sport a covering of gritty debris, tartar, they need to be cleaned. If you notice that a portion of a tooth is missing, which often happens to the canine teeth or the larger grinding teeth, your pet needs to see your veterinarian.  Gum tissue should be pink in color and form a smooth line at the tooth margin. If it is red and inflamed or if you notice pus at the base of the tooth, make an appointment immediately.

You may think that your pet is too old for a dental cleansing and have concerns about the risks of anesthesia. Anesthesia is much safer than it was several years ago. Your veterinarian will take all precautions to safeguard your pet. If teeth need to be extracted, rest assures that your veterinarian will only extract them if it is absolutely necessary. When advanced dental procedures such as a root canal are indicated, your veterinarian may perform these services in clinic or refer you to a board certified veterinary dentist.

Remember, your pet is not getting any younger, and the teeth will not get better on their own. Routine dental care can add years to your pets' healthy life.