Common Oral Health Issues in Cats and Dogs: Prevention

01 Normal Oral Health

The oral cavity of dogs typically carries a subtle taste of dog food, while cats often have a slightly fishy odor, which is usually not overpowering. The teeth are usually white or light yellow, and the gums are pink. Cats have intact papillae on their tongues, and the tongue surface and oral cavity are free from ulcers. The mucous membranes around the lips are also free from any damage.

02 Preventive Oral Care

Prevention is key, as animals don't brush their teeth daily like humans do. Therefore, it's our responsibility to assist them in maintaining their oral health.

Brushing: Regular teeth brushing for pets can significantly reduce the occurrence of oral diseases and allows for early detection of any dental issues.

Before brushing, it's important to choose the right toothbrush, such as gauze, finger brushes, children's toothbrushes, or petspecific toothbrushes, based on the size of their mouth and their cooperation level. Then, prepare a petsafe toothpaste to begin.

Start by tempting the pet with their favorite treats, let them sniff the toothpaste, and then apply a small amount to the mouth's edge for a taste. If they seem uncomfortable, soothe their emotions. Use a finger brush to simulate brushing in the areas that need cleaning, rewarding them with food when they cooperate. Finally, apply the toothpaste and brush, followed by a small treat as a reward. The process should be gradual, and if the pet resists, take a break to comfort them before continuing.

Dental Rinse Water: Adding a small amount of mouthwash to their drinking water can help with daily oral care, freshen breath, and clean teeth.

Dental Sticks or Powders: Dogs can use dental sticks, but it's important to choose highquality products. Cats can be given edible dental powder mixed into their dry food to help eliminate bad breath, soften tartar and calculus, and inhibit plaque formation.

03 Abnormal Oral Health

Tartar: Plaque combines with calcium in saliva to form tartar, which is particularly prone to forming around the molars where saliva is secreted. While plaque can be removed through brushing, tartar cannot be easily removed once formed.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis: A large number of bacteria are present in plaque and tartar, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis, where bacteria and tartar attach to the teeth, causing the gums to become red and inflamed, and potentially leading to gum recession. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage where bacteria spreading below the gums can gradually damage deeper tissues (gum damage, periodontal ligament damage, alveolar bone damage). Receding gums can cause severe food and tartar accumulation, leading to the destruction of periodontal support tissues, exposing the root of the tooth, and potentially leading to tooth loss.

04 Therapeutic Oral Care

Tartar: The root treatment involves surgical scaling to remove tartar. After scaling, it's crucial to pay closer attention to oral hygiene, brushing regularly, and following the methods outlined in the preventive care section.

Gingivitis or Periodontitis: The treatment involves identifying the cause and treating both the symptoms and the underlying cause. For example, feline stomatitis, canine oronasal fistulas, and facial fistulas require special treatment to control disease progression and then daily care. Athome care can include using oral sprays like Kolreut or Runchong after regular dental cleaning to effectively control the number of pathogenic bacteria and provide the best environment for mucosal repair. Other care methods should be referred to in the preventive care section to alleviate the pet's pain and reduce the severity of the disease.