Effective Cat & Dog Dental Care Tips for Pet Owners

How many teeth do dogs and cats have?

Dogs begin with 28 puppy teeth, and cats start with 26 kitten teeth.

By the time they're six months old, these baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by permanent ones. Dogs will have 42 permanent teeth, while cats will have 30.

What if I find a baby tooth, and what happens if they don't fall out on their own?

You might or might not find a baby tooth when it falls out. For instance, you might see one during playtime or when your dog chews on toys. Similarly, you might find a tooth in the fur of a cat that's been grooming.

If a baby tooth doesn't fall out and a permanent tooth erupts underneath, it can lead to issues such as increased tartar buildup, malocclusion problems, and gum irritation.

When should I start pet dental care?

The sooner, the better. With the help of your veterinarian, keep an eye out for retained baby teeth and malocclusion issues. Your vet can teach you how to care for your pet's teeth and gums from an early age.

How can I tell if my pet has dental problems?

Halitosis is often the first sign of dental disease. Gently lift your pet's lip to check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth.

Cats may show increased drooling. Both cats and dogs might exhibit a reluctance to eat or play with toys, chatter with their teeth when trying to eat, be lethargic, have bleeding gums, worn teeth, and a lack of grooming (in cats).

Dental diseases progress in stages if caught early, they can prevent further damage and preserve as many teeth as possible.

How does poor dental health affect the rest of the body?

Infected gums and teeth are not just oral issues the heart, kidneys, intestines, and joints can also be affected. Plaque and any infected areas in the mouth contain a high number of bacteria, which can potentially "spread" to other parts of the body. With regular dental care, you can prevent these more severe side effects.

Where should I start?

With a new puppy or kitten, discuss how to start a good dental care plan at your vet's office during their vaccination appointments. Most veterinarians are happy to provide brushing lessons and many offer specialized brushes and toothpaste for dogs and cats. (Note: never use human toothpaste on your pet!)

If your pet is over three years old, it's wise to schedule a dental checkup. If a teeth cleaning is needed, it's recommended to perform preanesthetic blood tests to ensure your pet doesn't have any underlying issues.

What does pet teeth cleaning involve?

As mentioned, it's advisable to have a predental procedure.

This involves checking the pet's overall health to ensure the liver, kidneys, and blood count are within normal ranges and reducing potential risks before anesthesia. Many pets with poor dental health are given antibiotics a few days before teeth cleaning to alleviate infections and reduce complications.

Your pet will start fasting the night before the procedure. Pet teeth cleaning is similar to human teeth cleaning removing tartar, checking for cavities, gum pockets, removing loose or broken teeth, any growths in the gums or palate, removing diseased teeth, and finally polishing. Polishing smooths the teeth after removing tartar, as tartar can wear down the teeth. Smooth teeth are less prone to tartar buildup than rough teeth.

With good dental care, your pet can enjoy a long and healthy life.