Examine Your Pet's Teeth to Catch Problems Early

We all know the importance of daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for ourselves and our family. However, what many pet owners don't realize is that proper pet dental care is an essential part of keeping our furry friends happy and healthy, too.

It's not just a matter of the aesthetic appeal of sparkling, white teeth and good breath; preventive dental care and maintenance, together with good nutrition, is the foundation of any holistic health program.

Everyone likes a good return on investment and this is one where regularly investing just a little time and effort can pay big dividends in your pet's wellbeing, vitality and also longevity. It can also save you a lot of money in vet care to treat serious dental problems and illnesses in other systems that can result from chronically infected teeth and gums.

Start with a visual inspection of your pet's teeth and gums. The teeth should be shiny and white and the gums pink and smooth, except in breeds that have pigmented gums. Lift the lip up gently so you can see all the way to the back teeth where problems often begin. If you can, open the mouth and have a quick scan of the inside surfaces of the teeth and gums as well as the tongue and roof of the mouth.

Use common sense when you first start examining your pet's teeth. If your pet is not used to this, start gradually by just stroking the muzzle and do a little more each day. Teeth inspection can be more difficult with cats. Although cats have fewer teeth, they also have tighter lips and can sometimes be more resistant.

If your pet is uncooperative or shows any aggression, he may have a painful condition in his mouth or it may be a behavioural issue. In either case, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a dental check up. He or she can do a professional assessment and also show you what to look for. Above all, you do not want to get bitten or set a bad precedent for future home dental care.

Indications your dog may have poor oral health:

• Bad breath (this may also be caused by other conditions such as kidney disease, toxicity, intestinal problems, cancers, diabetes, skin infections)

• Drooling, often with foul-smelling saliva

• Reluctance to open the mouth

• Holding the head tilted to one side, especially when eating

• Reluctance to eat or reduced appetite

• Teeth that chatter, especially in cats

• Lethargy or listlessness (a non-specific sign of many conditions)

• Swelling and/or draining wound below the eye

• Pawing at the face or mouth

What to look for inside the mouth:

• Injuries to teeth or gums

• Crowding or malformation

• Caries (cavities) or erosions in the enamel

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums and hard, brownish deposits on the teeth

• Lumps, bumps, swellings, or raised or ulcerated areas

• Foreign objects (such as a piece of stick or bone wedged in the roof of the mouth)

If you see any of these it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. This is especially important in the case of any mass or lump.

Your veterinarian will make recommendations for appropriate treatment after which you can start home cleaning. Together with a healthy and natural diet, a holistic detoxification and preventive medicine program, and professional cleaning as needed, you can help your pet live a long, happy and healthy life.