Oral Health by Shireen Igbal

Did you know that February is pet oral health month? More importantly, do you know and follow the basic steps to proper oral care in dogs? The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that the majority of dogs over the age of three already show signs of oral disease. There are a number of symptoms to look for to determine if your dog is experiencing oral problems. These include, but are not limited to, bad breath, tartar build up, swollen, receding or bleeding gums, fractured teeth, excessive salivation and a change in eating habits.

The most common oral problem in dogs is periodontal disease. This disease follows the same course in dogs as it does in their human owners. It starts with plaque, or a bacterial film that attaches to the teeth. Initially the plaque is soft, and brushing or chewing hard foods or toys can dislodge it. However, calcium in the saliva hardens the plaque. This can then lead to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. In the more advanced stages of the disease, tissues surrounding the teeth are destroyed, and the affected teeth will become loose. Furthermore, the inflection from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially lead to kidney, liver or heart disease.

The best medicine against oral problems is prevention. A dry food diet, chew toys and brushing are excellent ways to prevent oral decay. Dry food and chew toys help to mechanically remove build-up from teeth. Canned foods tend to stick to teeth easily. It is also imperative that you brush your dog's teeth regularly. To brush your dog's teeth, you might have to start out by massaging the gums with a pet tooth paste. Do not use human tooth pastes because they can make your dog sick. Rubber fingertip toothbrushes can then be used before venturing into toothbrushes. Begin your brushing in short intervals, and eventually work up to about 30 seconds per side. Also, make sure you focus your brushing on the inside of the teeth because dogs tend to accumulate more tartar there. Throughout any of these brushing procedures, always offer your dog plenty of praise and treats.

Annual veterinary checkups are also important to ensure proper oral care. Make sure your checkup includes an inspection of your dog's teeth and gums. You can also speak to your vet about annual dental cleanings if your dog is particularly prone to oral problems. Professional cleaning often involves anesthetizing your dog in order for vets to remove accumulated tartar and to take x-rays to identify and fix teeth needing fillings or root canals.

Proper dental care will not only help to reduce the cost of veterinary care by ensuring a healthy mouth, but will also ensure that your dog is always smiling bright!