Dental Care in Dogs and Cats

By Nancy Otten, Animal Health Technologist

Dogs and cats lose their baby teeth just like humans. Puppies have 28 puppy teeth that appear at about 3-4 weeks of age. The usually lose these around 4 months of age and replace them with 42 permanent teeth. Kittens have 26 kitten teeth and appear at about 2-3 weeks of age and then replace them with 30 adult teeth starting at about 4 months old.

What is the major dental problem in dogs and cats?

Domestic dogs and cats need dental care too. In humans, the most common dental problem is caries in the teeth, or cavities.  Cavities are rare in dogs and cats.  Their big problem is tartar buildup and the consequent irritation to the gums.  The tartar builds up and mechanically pushes the gums away from the teeth.  This causes the teeth to loosen in their sockets and eventually they will fall out or will need to be extracted.  Broken teeth can also become problematic if left untreated.

Does tartar cause any other problems?

As the gums are being pushed away from the teeth by tartar, large pockets form between the gums and teeth.  These pockets become a breeding ground for bacteria.  Infection can then enter the teeth causing very painful abscesses.  The tartar causes gums to become irritated and raw which also allows for bacterial invasion.  It is very easy for these bacteria to then enter the blood stream (this is called bacteremia.)  These bacteria traveling through the body can accumulate in the lining of the heart or in the heart valves causing a condition called bacterial endocarditis.  The bacteria can also cause kidney damage and joint problems.

Is the accumulation of tartar diet related?

The type of food you feed your pet does play a role in tartar formation but it isn’t the only factor.  The softer the food you feed, the more tartar will form simply because softer food sticks to the teeth more easily.  Dry kibble can also cause tartar accumulation but at a slower rate.  It should be noted that regular dry food will not mechanically remove tartar with chewing.  This is a common misconception.  The other factor involved in tartar formation is simply genetics.  In some dogs and cats tartar builds up very quickly because of their individual chemistries.  Some will need dental cleanings once a year and others once every few years.   

How do we get rid of tartar?

The only way to get rid of tartar properly is to have a complete dental cleaning.  This involves scaling, polishing and a fluoride treatment to slow down the rate of future tartar formation.  Because dogs and cats are not inclined to sit still for this sort of procedure, they will need to be placed under anesthesia.  Although anesthesia always carries a degree of risk, the effects of bad teeth on your pet’s overall health and happiness greatly outweigh it.   

How can we prevent tartar from forming?

There are a couple of things that we can do to slow down tartar formation.  The first is daily brushing.  This is not an easy feat and it is best to start this process at an early age.  You need to introduce brushing gradually, use minimal restraint and make it as much fun as possible.  Cooperation must be rewarded with lots of praise and treats.  Start by using just your finger.  Move on to using your finger wrapped in gauze then graduate to using a finger brush or a regular toothbrush.  If you are using a human toothbrush, make sure it has very soft bristles.  Toothbrushes designed specifically for pets are available.  Also, do not use human toothpaste because the taste will be absolutely horrible to your pet.  It is best to purchase pet specific toothpastes.  The other thing that we can do to slow down tartar formation is to feed specific tartar reducing diets like Prescription Diet’s “T/D.”  Unlike normal kibble, they don’t completely crumble when bitten.  The teeth sink in to these big kibbles and in the process get scrubbed.  You can feed this diet exclusively (it is nutritionally balanced,) add it to your pet’s regular diet, or use them as treats. 

Another important part of good oral care for your pet is routinely checking their mouth for any problems.  Watch for bad breath, a decrease in appetite, drooling, inflamed or swollen gums, yellowed teeth, receding gums,  and broken teeth. These indicate problems in your pet’s mouth.  It would be best to detect problems before severe symptoms emerge. Don’t forget about the teeth at the back of their mouths.  You’ll need to pull their lips back in order to see those ones.  This task is especially difficult in cats so be persistent. 

Have you veterinarian check your cat or dogs teeth during their annual examination.