National Pet Dental Health Month

Pets have become an important part of the American family. Pet Dental Health Month was created to draw attention to serious health issues caused by dental problems. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), by the time pets reach the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have active dental disease. Dr. Mari from Veterinary Park Potomac explains this to families as they bring their pets in for annual check-ups. First, she explains that dogs and cats have baby teeth! These usually fall out on their own and are replaced by permanent teeth, which typically happens when your pet is five or six months old. She adds that cats have 30 teeth and dogs have 42. And she reminds everyone that cats and small-breed dogs have more dental problems than large-breed dogs.

Dr. Mari realizes that most people think of the physical aspects of an annual check-up when taking their pet to the vet. We’re used to seeing our veterinary team note our pet’s weight, stance, and gait. There’s the peek in the eyes and ears, and the listening to the heart and lungs. The doctor moves on to look at the feet and nails, as well as to assess the overall condition of the coat and skin. If we’re paying close attention, we might even notice the doctor feeling around to check the internal organs as well as for signs of swelling or pain.

After that, the doctor is likely to move onto the mouth. With a quick look, the doctor can assess plaque build-up. Simply put: plaque is filled with bacteria. And bacteria create bad breath! Next, your vet will likely check your pet’s teeth and gums for redness, bleeding, and inflammation. One step further is a check for any missing, cracked, or damaged teeth.

Depending on the age of your pet, the doctor will probably recommend a full dental exam. Typically, this type of exam is performed at another scheduled appointment. The exam is done with your pet under anesthesia, but it is still considered an outpatient procedure.

How does this work? Dr. Mari explains that on the morning of the dental exam, your vet will collect bloodwork and perform a pre-anesthetic exam to make sure the dog is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. After that, the anesthesia is administered and your pet will be unconscious for the duration of the exam. Similar to a human dental appointment, the vet will then take x-rays, clean the teeth to remove tartar and plaque, and then repair or remove any damaged teeth. A nice polish, followed by fluoride and sealant treatments, is the final stage of the exam.

Between annual exams, Dr. Mari recommends brushing your pet’s teeth three to four times a week. Brushing is a habit that is easier to initiate when your pet is young. Your veterinary team can help you get started. Or you can find some great videos, resources, and tools on the website of the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). The website for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (vohc.org) also provides a variety of helpful resources, including a list of accepted products for pets. The list includes a variety of dental diet products, rawhide chews, edible chew treats, water additives, oral gel and sprays, toothpastes, toothbrushes, and more.

Trips to the vet can be filled with anxiety for your pet. The team at Veterinary Park Potomac has made great efforts to create a peaceful and calm atmosphere for your and your pets. Come visit to learn more about their emphasis on personal care and comfort. Find details at: VeterinaryParkPotomac.com.

Dr. Katie Malehorn opened Veterinary Park Potomac in September 2021 after working in various DC-area veterinary hospitals, in both Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Katie wanted to create a facility that was small enough to offer a community feel but large enough to have the technology and services that would allow her to respond quickly to the needs of her clients. Dr. Katie recently welcomed Dr. Mariana Fonseca to the practice. Dr. Mari is originally from Brazil, and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. She has been a practicing veterinarian in the DC-area for the past eight years, working in large vet hospitals. In addition to providing quality care, Dr. Mari invests in educating families about how to provide good care to their pets. With each family visit, Dr. Mari attempts to cover the five areas highlighted in the sidebar to the right: diet, weight, exercise, preventative care, and dental care. Dr. Mari and her partner, Steve, enjoy an active life with Bambino (chihuahua) and Yogi (shepherd mix).