From top canine and feline teeth brushing tips, to dental diet FAQs and preventing gingivitis, the most common and preventable oral complaint, in your furry friend, here’s some ways in which you can help keep their teeth and gums in great shape.
What is gingivitis and how can I spot signs of it in my pet?
It’s not uncommon for pet’s teeth, just like humans, to develop a build-up of plaque. However, this plaque, if left untreated, can become tartar - a hard substance made up of bad bacteria, and this in turn can build up on the teeth and will eventually cause gingivitis.
If your pet has gingivitis, the most common sign you may spot is that they have red, swollen gums, which may sometimes bleed and may cause them to have a bad odour from their mouths.
Most of the time gingivitis will be diagnosed by a vet and is easily treated and reversed. If left untreated, however, it can develop into periodontitis, the second stage of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
The following are signs that could indicate that there may be a problem with your pet’s mouth:
- Smelly breath
- Bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling
- Red or swollen gums
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Yellow crusty build up on the teeth
Dropping food from the side of the mouth
How can I prevent my pet from developing gingivitis?
For healthy teeth and gums, and as prevention against gingivitis and further dental disease, you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly, once a day is best.
Dogs seem to tolerate this process more readily than cats, but once your pet is used to the process it is much easier to clean their teeth well and regularly, than you may think.
Make sure you are using an animal-friendly toothpaste, as human toothpaste is toxic to dogs and cats. You may find it easier to build up your pet's comfort and tolerance of having their teeth brushed by using a finger brush at first and build up to a toothbrush as your pet becomes more used to it.
Tooth brushing is a ‘trainable’ skill, so if taken very slowly and built up gradually with time your pet could accept you brushing their teeth.
If you have tried tooth brushing, but your pet really isn’t happy about having this done, providing your pet with natural chews and toys that have been designed to improve dental health will also help control plaque and tartar build up.
Another way to improve your pet’s dental health, if they’re not tolerating tooth brushing, is with dental powders, which can be sprinkled onto their food to help prevent plaque buildup and support their oral health. These powders have been specially formulated to help promote healthy gums and prevent the formation of tartar and can usually be used daily.
Could changing my pet’s diet help their dental health?
Changing your pet’s diet to a 'dental diet’ will also help in the fight against dental disease.
A dental diet is a specially formulated nutritionally balanced food which is designed to be fed exclusively. This type of diet is often recommended as an alternative for owners that are struggling to manage tooth brushing but are still wanting to keep their pets’ teeth healthy.
The unique size, shape and abrasive texture of the kibble, mechanically ‘scrubs’ the teeth, these kibbles don’t crumble, instead the teeth penetrate through the kibble, wiping the teeth clean, and gently removing dental plaque and tartar.
Some dental diets also have specially formulated ingredients which act on the saliva in the mouth to prevent tartar from forming, this is what makes these diets different to normal dry dog or cat food.
How do I know if a dental diet is right for my pet?
Before starting a dental diet, it is advisable to check with your vet that the dental diet you have chosen is suitable for your pet. Occasionally, in the cases of underlying health concerns such as kidney issues or advanced dental disease, your vet may let you know that a dental diet is not appropriate.
Your vet will check the current condition of your pet’s teeth and gums and may recommend a professional descale and polish prior to starting a dental diet.
It is important to carefully monitor your pet’s weight once they are moved over to these foods, as they can be high in calories.
Not all foods that claim to be dental foods have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance. Dental diets approved to reduce plaque and tartar formation will have the VOHC seal of acceptance, these are dental diets that have been assessed to reduce plaque and tartar.
Will a dental diet be enough to prevent my pet developing a dental disease?
Dental diets can be effective in reducing plaque and tartar if used as the sole food, with some manufacturers claiming that their dental diet can reduce tartar build up by 99%.
Daily brushing should still be done where possible which can be done alongside feeding a dental diet. It is still important that your pet has an annual dental health check to ensure good oral health.
Insure Your Paws pet insurance policies cover both dental accidents and illnesses as standard in the UK, up to your chosen vet fee limit. For your policy to be valid with us, you must be taking your pet for an annual health check, each year, which includes a dental check.
If you have a policy with us, you are welcome to call our Assist Your Paws careline anytime, for more information on dental diets, dietary changes or to discuss their pet's dental health.
