Pet Health Articles 
Pet Health & Behavior
Pet health - dental
Look, Ma! No Cavities!
If you remember the old toothpaste commercial with the catch-phrase “Look, Ma! No cavities!” you may wish that your pets could talk to you about their teeth. Actually, your pets can, in their own way, tell you a lot about their teeth and gums. For example, excessive drooling, lesions in the mouth, inflammation of the gums, discoloration of the teeth, loss of appetite, and foul-smelling breath are your pet’s way of telling you that there is a problem. Other forms of “communication” are a decline in physical activity, constantly rubbing lips, and pain reaction when you touch the animal’s mouth.
Attention to your pet’s teeth and gums should be a regular part of pet care. During medical exams, your vet will examine your pet’s mouth. This is a good time to call attention to any symptoms that you’re aware of so that your vet can diagnose oral problems or other medical issues.
Between office visits there is also a lot you can do to ensure good oral hygiene for your pet. A healthy diet, consisting mostly of a high quality dry food and plenty of fresh water, is a good start. Treats that are crunchy, rather than soft, can also aid in removing plaque. In addition, inspect your pet’s teeth and gums regularly. Kittens’ and puppies’ teeth should be white and free of tartar. The teeth of older cats and dogs may not be as white, but they should still be free of severe discoloration and tartar. The gums and mouth tissue of pets should be pink, or dark if pigmented. If gums and mouth tissue are pale, this may indicate anemia, which is often the result of poor nutrition or flea infestation.
Although it may be a challenge at first, it’s a good idea to try to get your pet used to having its teeth cleaned regularly (about once a week) at home. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush with a mixture of baking soda and water or a toothpaste made especially for pets. Do not use human toothpaste, which can be harmful to animals. Give the pet a dry, crunchy treat right afterwards to reinforce the idea of teeth cleaning as a positive experience. In addition, if your pet has sensitive teeth, your vet may prescribe protective gel.
Pet owners should understand the importance of good oral hygiene for their pets. Dental problems that are left untreated can lead to serious infections, and may require extraction of one or more teeth. Even more serious conditions, sometimes involving the kidneys and heart, may result from dental neglect.
As with most health issues, prevention and early detection are critical. With reasonable care, good nutrition, and prompt attention to symptoms, you can provide your pet with lifelong healthy teeth and gums.
