Quick Bites on Pet Dental care

Dogs: 

• Puppies develop 28 temporary teeth at two to three weeks of age.  Their 42 permanent teeth emerge at about four months.
• Studies show that by age 3, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of periodontal disease.
• Broken teeth are a common problem, expecially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.
• Small breed dogs are more likely than large breeds to develop periodontal disease.  Canine dentistry experts believe this is because the teeth of small dogs often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together allowing plaque to build up more easily.

Cats:

• Kittens have about 26 temporary teeth at 2 to 3 weeks of age.  Their 30 permanent teeth begin erupting at 3 months.
• Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

Pet Dental Disease Facts:

• Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease of adult cats and dogs, affecting 80 percent of pets over age 3.
• Symptoms of periodontal disease may include: bad breath, yellow brown buildup of tartar along the gum line, bleeding gums, oral pain, tooth loss, gum lesions, depression and changed eating habits.
• Systematic effects can result when bacteria enter the bloodstream, including damage to the heart, liver and kidneys.

Home Care Tips:

In addition to regular dental checkups for their pets, pet owners can take steps at home to ensure good oral health:

• Feed a specially formulated pet food proven to reduce plaque, gingivitis and tartar.  The Seal of Acceptance of the Veterinary Oral Health council appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control.
• Brush the pet's teeth with specially formulated toothpaste in flavors appealing to dogs and cats.  Toothpaste for humans should not be used because it can cause upset stomachs in pets.

Schedule Regular Veterinary Dental Checkups

Veterinarians have learned that regular dental care is vitally important in ensuring pet's overall health. A mouth full of bacteria can cause serious health problems for pet's in addition to tooth loss or painful gum disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.

Don't wait for your pet's annual checkup if you suspect a dental problem.  These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet's dental health routine.