Cleaning teeth
Something which is often overlooked is your pet’s dental health and oral hygiene. This is a vital part of their overall health as dental problems don’t just affect the mouth but can cause serious secondary health complications and behavioural problems.
Dental problems affect all animals, and not just older ones, so it is vital to look after their teeth.
Animals with dental problems may stop grooming, eating and become aggressive due to pain in their mouth.
If left untreated poor dental health can lead to many problems including a high risk of teeth needing operating on by general anaesthetic, expensive vet appointments and broken jaw.
Signs of dental problems include:
- Bad breath
- Tartar on the teeth
- Reddening of gums and bleeding
- Loose or missing teeth
- Discharge around the eyes, nose or mouth
- Fur staining around the mouth or front legs
- Pawing at the mouth
- Problems chewing food
- Pain or swelling around the head, eyes, mouth or nose.
How to look after your pet’s teeth
Basic toothbrushing is the first step to looking after your pet’s dental health. Buy an appropriate toothbrush for the pet and a pet toothpaste – never use a human one.
Cleaning their teeth needs to be done in a few gradual steps:
- Lift their lips to expose the teeth while talking calmly to them and giving lots of praise
- Once the dog or cat has got used to you touching their mouth start by running your finger along the teeth
- A finger toothbrush can be used before a normal toothbrush if you so wish
- When they are used to you touching their teeth, introduce them to a small amount of pet toothpaste by placing some on your finger and allowing them to lick it off
- When they become used to the taste and texture of the toothpaste you can start to introduce the toothpaste. Allow the pet to investigate and lick the toothbrush while giving plenty of praise
- When they are comfortable with the toothbrush and enjoying the toothpaste start by brushing a few teeth before building up to the whole mouth
- Eventually work up to cleaning the pet’s teeth daily if possible.
Other ways to keep teeth clean and healthy
Use a dry food rather than wet as chewing encourages a natural cleaning process on the tooth’s surface. The action of chewing helps to actively remove plaque and tartar build up. This means dental treats and sticks are ideal snacks rather than human titbits.
If your pet won’t let you clean their teeth there are no-brush alternatives which include enzymes to provide a level of daily protection. These include tooth gels, tooth sprays and water additives.
