Doggie Dental School on CBS

[yorkiesmiles]

Morning Show - starting now!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

Morning Show - starting now!

Iowa is central time, isn't it? I think I am an hour late for it cuz it's not on.

[yorkiesmiles]

ok - I was disappointed that they didn't talk about types or brands of toothpaste - because I think Petzlife is fabulous. They did say don't use human toothpaste

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Iowa is central time, isn't it? I think I am an hour late for it cuz it's not on.

Oh, sorry, I should have said in the 2nd hr. I'll look & see if they posted that as a video segment online & post a link. (Yep, Iowa is central time)

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

ok - I was disappointed that they didn't talk about types or brands of toothpaste - because I think Petzlife is fabulous. They did say don't use human toothpaste

I want to learn how to pick out toothpaste too. I am set on the kind I use for Ellie but I would like to know what ingredients it should have in it and what it shouldn't (besides flouride).

[yorkiesmiles]

sorry, when I first checked yesterday online, they didn't have anything up, but I just checked again. Here is a link to story. There is video of the segment out there. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/...n3686177.shtml

Did you know Feb is National Pet Dental Health Month?

Also, here is what they posted in words: at the bottom are more links, haven't checked but maybe those give more info on toothpaste

Pet owners do lots of great things for their four-legged friends, but one thing frequently overlooked is brushing their teeth.

The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, explained Tuesday that ignoring dental care for Fido and Fluffy could lead to problems -- and not just bad breath for Rover.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the time they're three-years-old. Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats, so it's very important that you take good care of their teeth.

February happens to be National Pet Dental Health Month, Turner points out. So what better time to take the bite out of gum disease in pets?

Man's best friend is notorious for having the world's worst breath. But your pet's malodorous mouth could be a sign of tartar buildup or gum disease -- or serious health problems.

To know whether a pet's teeth are clean, Turner advises, lift his or her lips and look at the teeth. They should be shiny, white, and healthy looking. The gums should be pink, and not reddened, swollen or diseased-looking. Your pet's breath should be "reasonable," not putrid or rotten-smelling. There should be no sores or lesions on the gums.

Consequences of poor dental hygiene could include dental calculi/tartar (commonly known as plaque), gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, mouth sores and ulcers, Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL), a broken lower jaw, and kidney, liver, and heart disease.

Calculi/Tartar:
This is the yellowish, brownish buildup that occurs at the base of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gums. This material is full of bacteria. Leaving it untreated could lead to periodontal disease and other significant health conditions. Plaque is the combination of saliva and food debris that sticks to the teeth. As calcium salts are deposited in this buildup, tartar develops.

Gingivitis:
The gums become inflamed and reddened from a build up of tartar on the teeth. This is reversible with proper teeth cleaning by a veterinarian.

Periodontal disease:
Gingivitis will lead to periodontal disease if it isn't treated. The gums become infected and recede from the teeth. The ligaments surrounding the root of the teeth are damaged. Even the bone of the jaw itself can be damaged. There can be an accumulation of pus, and even bleeding. This is all very painful. The pet will stop eating, lose weight as a result, and show reluctance to being touched on the face and head. Periodontal disease isn't reversible. The progress can only be stopped by the proper professional treatment. You don't want to let your pet's mouth get to this point!

Oro-Nasal Fistulas:
These are non-healing "tracks" that open up between the mouth and nose. Often, the dog will have sneezing fits that lead to a bleeding nose. These must be repaired by a specialist skilled in oral surgery.

Feline Odontoclastis Resorptive Lesions:
FORL is caused by the activation of odontoclast that attack the teeth. The crown of the tooth will eventually snap off, and the gum will grow over the remaining root. This is very painful. Researchers don't know what activates the odontoclasts, but they develop more often in Siamese and oriental cats, and immunosuppresed cats (FeLv and FIV-positive cats).

Broken lower jaw:
In smaller breeds, extremely advanced stages of periondontal disease can lead to mandibular fracture.

Kidney, Liver, or Heart Disease:
The abundance of bacteria in tartar makes it possible the bacteria can gain access to the bloodstream through the compromised gums affected by periodontal disease. Bacteria-laden plaque can lodge in the valves of the heart, liver, kidney, and even the lungs. These situations are life-threatening and can lead to death.

When is it time to get your pet's teeth cleaned?
Contrary to popular belief, your pet's breath should not be inordinately bad. A rotten, putrid smell is probably an indication that the teeth and/or gums need medical attention. If there's an abundance of yellow/brown/black buildup on the teeth just below the gums, then it's time to have them professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. That's also true if the gums look reddened and/or swollen. If your pet stops eating, lift the lips and look in the mouth; there may be a foreign object lodged in the mouth that is causing difficulty eating. Or, severe gum disease could be so painful that the pet stops eating. Persistent salivation could be a tip-off that something is wrong in the mouth.

Treatment:
Pet owners should take steps to keep the pet's teeth cleaned by feeding himor her hard food, and brushing the teeth at home. Pet owners should use toothpaste specially formulated for animals. This is safe for swallowing. DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE or baking soda. Plus, use a toothbrush made for pets. They're soft and non-abrasive to the pet's teeth.

It's important to teach the pet to tolerate getting his or her teeth brushed. So, it's best to start the ritual very early in life. However, it's never too late to start. It will just take a little longer to acclimate the pet to the process. Turner strongly recommends that you have your veterinarian demonstrate the proper method. You should first slowly touch or pet the pet's muzzle, to make sure he or she will allow this action. Then, lift the lips to expose the teeth. Use a pet toothbrush or soft cloth to brush each tooth, with a gentle, circular motion. The pet's mouth can remain closed during this process. No need to agitate him or her further by trying to force the jaw open. Start with the back teeth and work your way forward to the incisors. If the pet will allow it, brush the inside surface of the teeth, too.

At least once a year, the pet's teeth should be professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. That requires putting the pet under anesthesia, and usually a course of antibiotics. Some pets are prone to building tartar faster than others, so some pets need their teeth cleaned more often than once a year. Your veterinarian will assist you in determining the proper dental hygiene program for your pet.

For more on pet dental care, visit www.petdental.com and www.vohc.org.

To see an article full of pointers on brushing pets' teeth, http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/010808petdental.pdf

[Ellie May]

Thanks.

I did know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Maybe Ellie's vet will do cleanings for free........wishful thinking.