The time has come to bring to light the need to take care of the oral health of dogs and cats. According to the veterinarian at the Max Planck University Center, professor Igor Soffo, it is necessary to always be aware of the signs and regularly promote oral hygiene in pets.
“Some signs of oral health problems are bad breath, very yellow teeth, dental plaque and weakened and worn teeth”, explains Soffo, reinforcing that it is not just humans who need to pay attention to their oral health.
He also highlights that lack of oral hygiene is one of the main causes of problems and diseases in animals. “Periodontal diseases in dogs and cats of all ages are not uncommon, as lack of care generates a predisposition to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, favoring the formation of tartar and consequently bad breath”, he highlights.
Caring for your pet’s oral health is an essential part of their overall health and well-being, which involves regular tooth brushing, adequate nutrition, appropriate chew toys and regular visits to the veterinarian.
Tartarus
It is common, after eating, for food remains to get stuck in the teeth of dogs and cats. Without adequate and regular cleaning, bacteria present in the oral cavity accumulate on the surface of the tooth, forming bacterial plaques. “It is more common in middle-aged and elderly dogs, but it is important for owners to always be aware, thus avoiding tartar in their companions”, he says.
Tartar buildup begins near the gums and extends throughout the tooth. As the disease progresses, ligaments and bones are destroyed, causing the tooth to fall out. Yellow spots are a sign of the disease and, when it worsens, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and reach other organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
Prevention
The best form of prevention is brushing. Bacterial plaque settles within 48 hours after the accumulation of dirt (food, etc.), therefore, brushing within this period considerably reduces the risks. “Grooming should start when it is still young, this way the animal gradually allows handling and brushing. It is difficult for adult animals to adapt to brushing”, advises the veterinarian.
According to Igor Soffo, brushing generates friction and removes bacterial plaque in the process of installation and can solve most problems. “The use of specific pastes for pets reduces contamination and improves breath. Specific snacks for oral care also promote cleaning”, he emphasizes.
There are non-therapeutic feeds available on the market that promote oral health and serve as maintenance for animals that brush regularly or that have undergone periodontal cleaning by a veterinarian.
Assessment
Periodontal cleaning can be the most effective form of short-term cleaning and helps diagnose tooth changes that require extraction. To carry out periodontal cleaning, the animal must be evaluated regarding its general health (general condition and complementary exams) and subjected to general anesthesia to carry out the procedure.
During the procedure, a more thorough assessment is carried out (after all, the animal is anesthetized) to understand the need for extractions and finally cleaning and polishing.
Source: UniEduK Group, adapted by the Cães e Gatos team.
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