This is a popular question that we get asked all the time. Pets, just like us, have food, debris and bacteria that build up on their teeth. Plaque bacteria takes just two days to start to form in the mouth. It is a very nasty mix and your pets body starts to fight it off as it builds up.

Your pets gums start to redden around the tooth as an immune response, the blood and white cells try to fight off the bacteria.
Without removing the bacteria by brushing, wiping or using anti-bacterial gels your pets immune system is fighting a losing battle. Over time the tissues around the tooth start to shrink away and the gums and the underlying bone starts to recede.

This leaves the tooth root exposed and allows the bacteria to enter the circulatory system. The bacteria can then start to cause other systemic diseases in the heart, liver, brain and kidneys. These pictures show recession at different stages. The black dotted lines show where the gum line should be.

The bacterial build up has caused the gums and supporting bone to degrade or recede so that the teeth appear to be on stalks. This leaves the root of the tooth exposed. This is normally protected by the gums and now bacterial plaque covers the surface of the crown and the root increasing the immune response and the progression of periodontal (gum) disease.

In New Zealand almost 90% of all dogs and cats suffer from this painful disease and it is the most common animal welfare issue today. It is completely avoidable by brushing, wiping or using anti-bacterial gels. The issue is most pet owners don’t think that it is important. It is so important that caring for your pets teeth properly can add up to five years to their life. The average lifespan for a dog is between 10 and 13 years so thats increasing your pets life by as much as 50%.

The key to looking after your pets teeth is being realistic about what you will do, and with older pets what they will tolerate. Start young with puppies and kittens with a finger cloth cooled with ice to relieve teething pain and build an association of pleasure. Then move to brushing, wipes or gels. If you think you just cant do that or your pet is older and will not allow you to access their mouth (most likely because its painful) consider asking your vet about Sanos a dental sealant. This will seal the gums for 6 month at a time, it will not stop tartar or calculus but it will seal the gums protecting your pet from disease.

If you think about it imagine how your breath and mouth would feel if you did not brush your teeth for even a month let alone years. If you can’t spare a few minutes each day to look after your pets teeth the question that should really be asked is if you should really have a pet! Dental disease is so common, its painful and completely avoidable with the proper care.

Looking after your pets teeth is part of being a responsible pet owner.