The Importance of Having Your Pet Say 'Ah'

You can tell when pets are smiling; they “smize.” That’s right, they smile with their eyes, much like Tyra Banks, who coined the phrase for models everywhere.

But just because pets don’t smile with their teeth doesn't mean owners shouldn’t dedicate some time to improving their animals' oral health.

February is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month. For cat and dog owners it is a reminder to help keep their pets' pearly whites in good shape. And that means brushing their teeth once a day, says the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Daily brushing reportedly helps minimize the amount of bacteria that builds up in the mouth and slows the progression of periodontal disease. Through regular brushing, owners can detect signs of problems with their pets: bleeding, a cry or turn of the head, or obvious loose teeth.

Dental care for dogs and cats is available in many forms. Finger brushes, which vary by size, are most popular with cooperative pets. The brush consists of a plastic cover that fits over the finger containing rubber bristles that are very gentle on a pet’s mouth. Toothbrushes resembling human brushes are available for harder-to-reach areas in dogs with larger mouths. Toothpaste comes in several flavors for dogs and cats; find out what your pet likes best—and don't use human toothpaste because it can be harmful to animals.

For uncooperative pets, flavored gels and sprays that target hard-to-reach areas in the mouth are also available. Chew toys or treats can help too. For the best results against plaque and tartar buildup, look for products containing the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Periodontal disease affects pets as much as it does humans. The fight against this disease goes beyond tooth decay. It's wise to invest the time in brushing and routine veterinary check-ups in order to protect against the more serious effects of oral disease. According to the VOHC, bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup can  pave the way for bacteria to penetrate the bloodstream, resulting in damage to the kidneys, heart muscle and the liver.

The American Veterinary Dental College suggests watching for signs of oral disease, including bad breath, loose teeth, discolored teeth, teeth covered in tartar, a pet that won’t let you touch it anywhere near the mouth, drooling or dropping food from the mouth, bleeding, and loss of appetite or weight.

If your pet is going to the vet for a teeth-cleaning, opt out of anesthesia if it is not absolutely necessary. Cleaning a pet’s teeth is usually harmless and not only is it safer to skip the anesthesia, but it can save a lot of money on the necessary testing to verify that a pet can endure the anesthesia.