Dental health is often overlooked in pets, but it plays a major role in their overall wellbeing. In this episode, we discuss common dental diseases in dogs and cats, the warning signs pet owners should watch for, how untreated dental problems can affect other organs, and what preventative steps can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Podcast Summary: Pet Dental Health in Dogs and Cats
- Dental health is a critical part of overall health for dogs and cats.
- Poor oral health can lead to pain, infection and damage to other organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
- Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart valve disease.
- Kidney and liver problems may also develop from chronic dental infections.
- The most common dental disease in pets is gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation and eventually tooth loosening.
- Advanced periodontal disease can result in bone infection and tooth loss.
- Cats can develop painful odontoclastic resorptive lesions where teeth break down near the gum line.
- Broken or fractured teeth from chewing hard objects can also cause infection.
- Some small dog breeds are prone to retained baby teeth that cause overcrowding.
- Common warning signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, drooling, difficulty eating and loose teeth.
- Facial swelling under the eye can sometimes indicate a tooth root abscess.
- Dental procedures require general anaesthesia so veterinarians can fully examine and treat the teeth.
- Treatment may include cleaning, scaling, polishing and sometimes tooth extraction.
- Pets can still eat comfortably even after losing multiple teeth if diseased teeth are removed.
- Prevention options include tooth brushing, dental diets and dental treats designed to help reduce plaque buildup.
Episode Timestamps
- 00:02 – Introduction to pet dental health
- 01:00 – Why dental disease is often overlooked in pets
- 02:00 – How dental infections affect other organs
- 03:10 – Gingivitis and periodontal disease explained
- 05:30 – Tooth root infections and severe dental disease
- 07:00 – Dental disease specific to cats
- 08:30 – Fractured teeth and dental trauma
- 09:30 – Retained baby teeth in small dog breeds
- 10:30 – Number of teeth in dogs and cats
- 12:00 – Signs and symptoms of dental disease
- 15:00 – Facial swelling and tooth root abscesses
- 17:30 – What happens during a veterinary dental procedure
- 20:00 – Scaling and cleaning teeth under anaesthetic
- 22:00 – Tooth extractions and recovery
- 24:00 – Importance of prevention and dental care
- 26:30 – Tooth brushing and dental products for pets
General advice only. If your pet has bad breath, swollen gums or difficulty eating, consult your veterinarian to assess their dental health.