The way to healthy teeth - even in old age
VetTrust AG
07.06.2022
The way to healthy teeth - even in old age
By the age of three, 70 % of house cats and 80 % of dogs already have some form of periodontal disease. This is an inflammatory condition of the tooth-supporting apparatus responsible for keeping teeth in the jaw. It usually progresses silently – no obvious symptoms appear at first. If left untreated, it leads to chronic pain, gum recession, tooth loss, and bone degradation in your pet.
The best start for optimal dental care is to begin before any problem arises.
- Ideally, oral hygiene routines should start with puppies or kittens, even without known issues.
- For older pets, we recommend working with your trusted veterinarian to establish a plan for regular dental care, including:
- professional dental cleaning,
- dental X-rays,
- a thorough oral examination of the jaw.
Prevention is the best route to healthy teeth in old age.
- Periodontal disease is preventable in most pets.
- Animals that receive early veterinary dental prophylaxis and maintain daily home dental care generally avoid age-related dental issues.
First examination at three to four months of age
- comprehensive check of the teeth and jaws: baby teeth, tooth development, bite, jaw length, and any malocclusions.
- Early detection allows prompt intervention and prevents future disease.
Second examination around six months
- ensure all baby teeth have fallen out – crucial for proper development of permanent teeth.
- If any baby teeth remain, extraction is advisable to prevent misalignment and periodontal disease.
- If permanent teeth are not yet visible, consider dental X-rays to verify absence and prevent issues.
Start home dental care when all adult teeth are present
- Brushing may be uncomfortable for pets with baby teeth – avoid negative experiences.
- Pets weighing under 12 kg or brachycephalic breeds face higher risk of dental issues due to limited jaw space.
Veterinary check-ups and home dental care – at least once annually
- Thorough home care protects oral health.
- Brushing twice daily is the gold standard; it removes bacterial plaque formed within hours.
- Brushing removes plaque, not tartar – daily brushing slows tartar accumulation.
- Avoid brushing inflamed gums – it’s painful and causes resistance. Start early instead.
Dental prophylaxis does not replace professional cleaning under anesthesia
- Similar to human dentistry, examinations, X-rays, and possibly anesthesia are required.
- Breed, size, and genetics affect dental care needs.
- A key factor under your control: effectiveness of home oral hygiene.
Prevent dental pain – for a pain-free senior life and a bright smile
- We all know how bad toothache can be. Help prevent it and give your companion a healthy senior age with a bright white smile!
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