Since dentures aren’t an option for our pets, preventing dental disease in your dog or cat is of the utmost importance. Most of us are so tired by the day’s end that tending to our pet’s teeth is the last thing on our minds. But after reading some of these facts about dental disease, you may rush to make dental hygiene a priority for your pets.
- As many as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re just two years old[1].
- Dental disease is more common in small dog breeds, like Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, and brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus[2]. This is generally thought to be due to overcrowding of teeth and sometimes abnormal position of teeth in smaller/shorter jaws.
- For dogs, a few of the most common dental conditions include gingivitis, plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up, and periodontitis (a severe gum disease)[3].
- Due to genetics, some cat breeds may be more susceptible to dental disease, including Abyssinians, Maine Coons, Persians, and Somalis[4]. Brachycephalic cat breeds (like Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese) are also more prone to dental disease like their canine counterparts.
- For cats, the three most common dental diseases are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption (a painful condition where the dentin of the tooth erodes and eventually is destroyed)[4].
- As carnivores, cats’ teeth were developed to chew prey which helped keep them clean, and this cleaning action is not provided by typical present-day cat food diets, which can contribute to dental problems[4].
- Since safe and thorough dental cleaning in dogs and cats requires anesthesia, a dental treatment plan from your veterinarian will often include the dental cleaning, tooth polishing, anesthesia, and pre-anesthetic labwork. Dental radiographs (x-rays) may also be needed.
- The average cost for a dental cleaning itself in dogs and cats is between $50 and $300 but varies based on location and pet size. The average cost to treat periodontal disease is $519 for dogs and $768 for cats. That is more than double the cost of a preventive cleaning[5].
- Besides periodontal disease causing painful issues in your pet’s oral cavity, it can also cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys[6].
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- Wiggs RB, Lobprise HB. Periodontology. In: Veterinary Dentistry: Principals and Practice. Philadelphia: Lippencott-Raven; 1997:186-231.
- Dog Breeds and Dental Disease. Well Pets.https://www.wellpets.com/blog/84-dog-breeds-and-dental-disease. Accessed November 7, 2022.
- Dental Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Veterinarians.org. https://www.veterinarians.org/dental-disease-in-dogs/. Accessed November 7, 2022.
- When Kitty Needs a Dentist. Cornell Feline Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/when-kitty-needs-dentist. Accessed November 7, 2022.
- Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost and Financing. CareCredit. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/cat-and-dog-teeth-cleaning-cost-and-financing/ Accessed November 7, 2022.
- Pet Dental Care. AVMA. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care Accessed November 7, 2022.
