or at least postpone, the formation of oral
plaque and tartar (oral calculus).
Are there any products you recommend for
maintaining oral hygiene at home for cats and
dogs?
Yes. There are many products on the market
that are used for maintaining dental hygiene
in pets. They range from toothpastes,
dental brushes, mouth rinses, dental chews,
specialised dental foods etc.
Some of them are very effective but
unfortunately not easy to use. For example
toothbrushes may not be tolerated by some
animals and could be difficult to use because
of small jaw size and in general discomfort
when the owners are trying to brush them. In
cats brushes are almost impossible to use.
The dental food and oral bars are a good
way to eliminate plaque and reduce tartar.
Unfortunately once the tartar is already
formed, pet owners have to visit their vet who
will recommend dental scaling and polishing
in order to reduce formation of dental plaque.
Are there any alternative ways (such as
particular food or medicine) to prevent oral
diseases?
As I mentioned before, in Dubai you can
purchase special dental food designed for
animals of different breeds and sizes, including
cats, from veterinary practices. However, they
can only reduce and postpone the build up
of tartar, but cannot completely eliminate the
existing one.
There are some special products on the
market that are added to the drinking water
which can reduce the bacterial build up in
the mouth and minimize the formation of
bacterial plaque on the teeth.
Any advice on how to better take care of a
pet suffering from oral infections/diseases?
I would suggest first a visit to their local vet
who will perform an oral examination and
determine the condition of the teeth, gums
and advice them if their pet can be treated
with brushing, dental food or whether full
dental scaling is required.
What are the most common dental infections
and diseases that affect cats and dogs and
what are common causes of such infections or
diseases?
The most common oral diseases affecting
animals are the dental plaque/ tartar and
periodontal diseases.
The underlying problem of the periodontal
disease and gingivitis is a complex one. It can
be can be related to some other diseases
like diabetes, chronic kidney failure, viral
infections in cats etc.
It is very commonly believed that bacterial
flora inside the mouth and saliva composition
play an essential role in the formation of
dental plaques. The plaque later hardens by
the minerals of the saliva and transforms into
dental callus, which is firmly attached to the
teeth.
The calculus spreads under the gum line,
allowing bacteria to penetrate that area and
damage the supportive gum tissue of the
tooth. Bacterial toxins, remains
of food accumulate in that
pocket shaped area
causing loosening of
teeth and likely to
damage the jaw bone.
FACTBOX
How to get your pet used to brushing:
• First get your pet used to the idea of having their
teeth brushed. Start by gently massaging the gums
with your fingers or touching a cotton swab to
them.
• After a few sessions, put a little bit of formulated
toothpaste on the lips to get them used to the
taste.
• Next, introduce a toothbrush designed especially
for cats or dogs—it will be smaller than human
toothbrushes and have softer bristles. Toothbrushes
that you can wear over your finger are also
available and allow you to give a nice massage to
your the gums.
• Finally, apply the toothpaste to the teeth for a
gentle brushing.
• A veterinary exam beforehand may be helpful
to find out if the gums are inflamed. Brushing too
hard can be painful and likely to cause discomfort
leading to aggressive behaviour.
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