|
Kittens and Puppies lose their baby teeth just like children and begin to get adult teeth at about 4 months of age. Pets should complete the teething process by about 6 months of age with all adult teeth present. Some pets develop problems during the teething process. For example, retained baby teeth are more common in the smaller breeds of dogs. Retained baby teeth are teeth that should have fallen out when the adult teeth emerged to replace them. In some instances, pets have retained baby teeth and adult teeth at the same time and the baby teeth must be removed ASAP to prevent irreversible damage to the teeth and mouth.
The most common retained teeth are the large K9 teeth (pointed large teeth on the top and bottom on either side of the smaller incisors). The K9 teeth and the upper rear premolars and molars are the teeth that get the most tarter and calculus buildup as the animal gets older. Tarter and calculus cause gums to become infected and recede. This can lead to tooth loss, bad breath and bleeding gums. Once there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, the infection gets into the blood stream and can travel to the heart, liver and kidneys. Once affected, these organs do not regenerate from the damage caused by the bacteria. This can lead to other serious and life threatening conditions that can easily be prevented.
Dental disease can be prevented or diminished by several methods:
1-Good nutrition; good quality dry food low in sugars, including the use of pet foods that specifically prevent tarter buildup.
2-Brush teeth daily or every other day using enzymatic toothpaste.
3-If brushing is difficult to do, the use of enzymatic dental rinses that are antibacterial help to prevent the plaque and tarter from forming as rapidly.
4-Use dental chews like the Hexachews, Greenies, Cheweeze, CET treats, and similar products that diminish tarter via abrasion and antimicrobial properties.
5-Pulse therapy antibiotics keep the mouth as healthy as possible so that plaque and tarter will not have a good place to live.
6-Have regular dental prophylactic cleanings and fluoride treatments to remove the tarter and calculus before it has a chance to damage the gums and allowing the bacteria to get in to the blood stream.
Cleaning your pet’s teeth annually is not enough. It is important to have a good oral hygiene program in place between dental cleanings. By following a good oral hygiene program, your pet will live a longer and healthier life.
|
