It’s that time of year again. Though we realize pet oral health is important year round, this is the time of year considered in the veterinary profession as dental health month. “How important could this really be?” you ask? It is more important than many of my clients ever realize. Dental care should be anticipated in our pet’s health regime just like routine exams, vaccinations, parasite testing, proper feeding and more.

I recently took my two children to their dentist. He does a wonderful job. He is very thorough, explains any needed therapies or procedures in detail, and takes great care of my kids. That is why we have visited him faithfully twice yearly since my kids were three years old. I trust his advice and would never dream of skipping a step in my children’s dental care. Their well being and health depend on it. Right? Of course!

Let’s compare. You take your five-year-old dog to the veterinarian. Your vet informs you that the dog’s tartar build-up is significant and causing inflamed gum tissue. Your vet then recommends a dental cleaning for your pet. You cannot understand how this is possible. After all, Fido chews on bones habitually and eats the best food.

You haven’t done anything wrong. Compare your five-year-old pooch with his 35-year-old human counterpart. I defy you to find any 35-year-old person that has never had his or her teeth cleaned that does not need it. Most of us would never dream of going that long without dental care. Besides, the 35-year-old person has probably at least been brushing regularly. Can you say the same for your pet? Not many of us can.

As veterinarians, we know that a very small percentage of our clients will find the time in their busy schedules to perform routine pet teeth brushing. There are many products on the market to help aide in dental care, but the fact remains: Eventually, your pet will need and benefit from routine teeth cleanings.

The bacteria associated with tartar build up can lead to several uncomfortable and even life threatening illnesses. This infection can lead to gingivitis, painful ulcers and abscesses; tooth loss and bony loss in the supporting tooth and jaw structures; systemic infections with secondary kidney and/or heart compromise; and so much more. Many small dogs and some cats tend to develop disease more early on. This oral disease also often tends to progress more rapidly. Large dogs are not shielded from dental disease. In my experience, the chewing in many of these breeds causes more tooth wear and fractures that need to be addressed. Intervening before disease progresses to painful and irreversible damage is the key.

Just like in us, dental health is something that must be maintained throughout a pet’s life. Getting a teeth cleaning for your pet does not mean he will never need another. In fact, once warranted, dental cleanings are generally an annual event. It is wonderful to note the positive change proper dental care has on our patients. The owners are mostly amazed to see the response. Most owners really did not appreciate just how much discomfort their pet was experiencing until they see the difference.

Of course, there are a few more logistics to professionally cleaning a pet’s teeth than going to our dentist. Our patients don’t generally open up and say “AHHHH.” It is also pretty difficult to get them to rinse and spit. That is why veterinarians recommend anesthesia. This makes it possible to perform a thorough dental exam (some veterinarians have the ability to perform oral x-rays), scale teeth extending to below the gum line, and inspect any need for extractions, etc. Even more importantly, properly securing the airway with a tracheal (or windpipe) tube, keeps bacteria in the waste water and out of the lungs.

So, Fido’s breath got you down? It’s probably not so great for Fido either. Consider talking openly with your veterinary team regarding your questions and concerns. Fido will thank you … with licks that you won’t mind accepting.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Dr. Jill Thompson is the owner of Country View Pet Hospital Inc. in Wilmington and can be reached at 382-PETS (7387). As always, contact your veterinarian for questions regarding your pet.