Page 10 The Sun Bay Paper March 2, 2026 Dental Care for your Dog’s Health By David Lewis Medical professionals tell us routine dental care is essential to human health. Routine dental care is also important to your dog’s health. For many dogs who do not receive regular dental care, periodontal disease may develop as soon as two years of age. If left untreated, the dog will suffer pain, tooth loss, inability to eat normally, or worse. Dental disease has also been linked to endocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, CVA, of Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital in Glenview, Illinois, notes that smaller breeds of dogs are more susceptible to early periodontal disease and should be examined by a veterinarian within their early stages of life. She recommends a comprehensive dental exam and dental x-rays to determine if the dog has potentially serious issues beneath the gumline that are not readily visible. A dental radiograph is used to search for tooth decay. Other common dental issues include fractured teeth, tooth root resorption, tooth root abscess, and buildup of dental tartar. Gingivitis is a very painful condition defined as inflammation of the gingiva or gums. When suffering with this condition, pets will choose to eat with one side of their mouth, will eat less, or will have great difficulty eating hard foods. The dog may also become irritable and reclusive. Because dogs come in a variety of sizes, the veterinarian will adjust the process accordingly. Before dental prophylaxis (cleaning) can be performed, bloodwork is done to ensure there are no existing health issues that could impact the safety of anesthesia which is necessary to the cleaning process. The American College of Veterinary Dentists strongly advises against awake dentals. Unlike humans, it is nearly impossible to thoroughly examine a dog’s mouth and perform full mouth radiographs while it is awake. Tooth extractions are not possible in an awake patient. Understandably, pet owners may have concerns about their dog being placed under anesthesia. Today’s modern methods for delivering anesthesia significantly lowers the risk. When the exam and procedure are completed, the dog will be moved to a quiet kennel and closely monitored until fully recovered. The dog may be lethargic but is typically ready to go home and eat later that day. Soft food is recommended for the next several days. The American Veterinary Medical Association says regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is essential to keep teeth healthy between dental cleanings and may reduce the frequency for periodic dental cleaning by a veterinarian. Daily brushing is best but brushing several times a week is also effective. Most dogs tolerate brushing and it helps to begin training your dog to accept brushing when young. Dr. Rossman recommends toothpaste designed for animals and their pH levels. Dental chews, such as CET chews are suggested to help prevent dental disease. Another amino acid supplement, 1-TDC TetraDecanol Complex, is recommended to treat inflammation in the gums and reduce halitosis. Only products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council should be used. Finally, bringing your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups is extremely important. Veterinarians can help stage dental disease and provide recommendations on how to maintain your pet’s dental health which will result in a longer, healthier, and happier life for your dog. Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, CVA is co-owner of Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. David Lewis is a publicist and writer based in Morton Grove, Illinois.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA2ODE3