Would you go days, weeks or even years without brushing your teeth? The thought of a plaque-filled, bacteria-laden mouth and the stench of bad breath that would result makes most people squirm in disgust at the sheer thought of it. Yet, that is exactly what is happening in your pet’s mouth at this very moment if you’re not cleaning their teeth on a regular basis.
The Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease
The long-term impact to a lackadaisical attitude about your pet’s oral hygiene could ultimately compromise their overall health. According to a study by Professor Larry Glickman of Purdue University, there is a link between the severity of gum disease in dogs and their risk for some types of heart disease, including cardiomyopathy and endocarditis. In some cases, the increased incidence of heart disease was 6 times higher in dogs with severe gum disease than in those without it.
While Dr. Glickman’s study didn’t address the oral hygiene of cats and its potential link to heart disease, the number of felines with dental disease is cause for concern as well. According to an American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) study reported by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 70 percent of all cats and nearly 80 percent of all dogs have dental disease by age three.
By adopting a routine of brushing your pet’s teeth when they are young, you can help reduce these alarming statistics and ultimately improve your pet’s long-term health.
About Dental Disease
Similar to periodontal disease in humans, gum disease in dogs and cats is the result of untreated plaque and tartar build-up. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar causes inflammation and infection, which can travel into the bloodstream and lead to more serious health problems.
Pet owners often don’t do anything about their pet’s oral hygiene until the tartar build-up gets severe enough that it requires professional cleaning by a veterinarian. This will likely require that the veterinarian anesthetize your pet, which has its own inherent risks not to mention an impact on the pet owner’s wallet.
Recommended Dental Products
While the best home remedy for good dental hygiene is brushing your pet's teeth, you may also want to consider giving your pet specially made treats and foods designed to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are also new dental care water additives on the market that you can add to your pet’s water bowl to help fight plaque and bad breath.
Don’t rely on claims made on the packaging for pet dental care products; these are just marketing tools used to sell more products and often have no scientific basis. Your best bet is to use these VOHC approved products , which have met strict protocols established by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
A Word of Warning About Toothpaste
Never use human toothpaste or baking soda to clean your pet’s teeth. Pets can’t spit out toothpaste like humans and according to the AAHA, the foaming agents in human toothpaste can cause stomach upset in pets.
Human toothpaste can be toxic to your pet if it contains Xylitol, a human sweetener, which the ASPCA lists as one of the most dangerous poisons for pets. Pet toothpastes are not only designed specifically so pets can safely swallow all the ingredients, but they are also flavored in appealing pet-friendly varieties such as beef and chicken.
How to Brush Your Dog or Cat's Teeth
If you're not sure how to brush your pet's teeth, these videos can help.
Cornell Feline Health Center Video
The Cornell Feline Health Center offers this helpful instructional video for cat owners who wish to learn how to properly brush their cat’s teeth.
The Cornell Feline Health Center offers this helpful instructional video for cat owners who wish to learn how to properly brush their cat’s teeth.
American Veterinary Medical Association Video
This video from the American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful information about how to make dental hygiene fun for you and your pet. It also provides a demonstration on the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth.
This video from the American Veterinary Medical Association offers helpful information about how to make dental hygiene fun for you and your pet. It also provides a demonstration on the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth.
Resolve to Start Brushing This Week
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and it’s also American Heart Month. It’s the perfect time to resolve to make your pet’s oral hygiene and ultimately their cardiovascular health a priority.
Watch the how-to videos provided here and resolve to start brushing your pet’s teeth this week. By adopting this new habit for your pet, you will not only help them enjoy a fresh, clean set of pearly whites, but you’ll also improve your beloved furball’s overall health and happiness.
Do you have questions about dental hygiene in pets or can you offer tips to help other pet owners make brushing teeth a fun or stress-free activity? Please post your comments below.
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