Veterinary Dentistry is one of the most strategic areas for pet health — and, often, one of the most neglected in daily life.
Oral problems are not limited to the mouth: they can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, behavior, and even the quality of food intake.
In this exclusive interview with Veterinarian Marcos, Vinicius Almeida Morais, specialized in Small Animal Clinical Medicine and Surgery and Veterinary Dentistry by the Professional Residency Program in Veterinary Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, also a member of the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Dentistry (ABOV) and professor of Feline Dentistry in the EBRAMEV Postgraduate Course, he explains why oral health directly impacts the longevity and well-being of animals and their families.
Read on, and at the end, share with friends and family.
Pet Med – Why is it important to talk about pet oral health?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - With the increasingly close relationship between people and their pets, it is essential to discuss this topic to emphasize the importance of preventing diseases that affect animal mouths, ensuring more health, well-being, and longevity for them.
Pet Med - Many people don't know it, but is taking care of pets' mouths as important as taking care of our own?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - Yes! Taking care of pets' oral health is as important as our own. This is because the mouth is a gateway to various diseases that can affect not only the teeth and gums but also cause more serious infections if bacteria enter the bloodstream, potentially reaching organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Pet Med - What are the main oral problems observed in dogs and cats?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - The main condition found in the oral cavity of both dogs and cats is undoubtedly periodontal disease – an inflammatory and infectious disease caused by bacteria present in the oral cavity that affects the structures that support the tooth in place, such as the gums, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, leading to infection and tooth loss.
In felines, in addition to periodontal disease, it is common to observe a condition called dental resorption lesion and feline chronic gingivostomatitis. Both are very painful conditions that affect the quality of life of cats and are often underdiagnosed.
Pet Med - What signs indicate that a pet may be experiencing pain, inflammation, or an oral problem?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - The accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar can cause bad breath, drooling, oral bleeding, pain, difficulty in chewing, and weight loss. Owners may also observe behavioral changes, rubbing their face on their paws or furniture, and even tooth loss.
Pet Med - Many people think that when we talk about oral health, we only think about teeth, but what other everyday problems in dogs and cats are included in the scope of veterinary dentistry?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - In addition to teeth, veterinary dentistry also involves care for gums, facial bones, tongue, and jaw joints. Conditions such as mandibular and maxillary fractures, oronasal communications, oral tumors, malocclusions, and trauma are also part of a veterinary dentist's routine.
Pet Med - How does oral health directly influence the overall health of the animal — including the heart, lungs, ears, kidneys, and liver, for example?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - As already mentioned, the bacteria in the mouth can gain access to the bloodstream and be carried to these organs, causing local infection.
Pet Med - How often should owners clean their pet's teeth?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - The ideal frequency for dental hygiene is daily, or even every other day, as bacterial plaque takes 24 to 48 hours to mineralize on the tooth surface.
Pet Med - What are the most recommended types of preventive actions to maintain the oral health of pets?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - The main measures are daily tooth brushing, regular check-ups with a veterinary dentist, the use of pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, good quality food, and dental prophylaxis when indicated by the dentist.
Pet Med - Regarding toys, especially for dogs. What types are dangerous, can cause tooth breakage, tooth mobility, fistulas, among others, and should be avoided, and which ones contribute to keeping teeth free of tartar and other dental problems?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - Very "hard" toys, such as natural beef bones or even smoked ones, antlers, hooves, nylon toys can lead to these complications. The safest and most recommended toys are soft rubber ones, specific ropes for pets, which can also assist in the mechanical removal of plaque. A tip when choosing a toy is that it should be flexible and, when pressed, leave an indentation of the nail.
Pet Med - Is it possible to prevent bad breath and tartar formation only with adequate food and functional treats?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - No, the only effective and proven way to prevent the advancement of tartar build-up and bad breath is to maintain the habit of brushing. Some treats contribute to the reduction in bacterial plaque formation through abrasion, but alone they are not preventive. Therefore, the best combination remains a balanced diet, daily brushing, and veterinary dentist follow-up.
Pet Med - How can family members accustom dogs and cats to brushing in a positive, stress-free way?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - The habit of brushing should arise as a pleasurable moment between the pet and their guardian, in the same way that teaching a new trick (sit or give paw), always with great affection and patience so as not to exceed the animal's stress threshold. It should be introduced gradually into the routine so that the animal does not get scared and develop an aversion to handling. The ideal is to introduce this handling from the pet's young age, always using positive reinforcement, such as treats.
One tip is to introduce brushing in three phases: the first - the recognition of the toothpaste flavor, the second phase – the handling of the oral cavity with gauze and toothpaste, and finally the third phase - introduction of a toothbrush, which should have dimensions compatible with the animal's head, as well as extra-soft bristles, always opting for human toothbrushes.
Pet Med - How often should dogs and cats have dental evaluations and cleanings?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - It is recommended that pets undergo dental evaluation every six months. Professional dental cleaning should be performed as needed for each case, as some animals tend to accumulate tartar more quickly, or the pet's owner cannot perform brushing effectively.
Pet Med - The close coexistence between humans and animals makes oral health a collective concern. What precautions should family members take to also protect their own families?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - Lack of oral hygiene in dogs and cats can result in bad breath and infection, leading owners to distance themselves from their pets, as well as the possibility of bacterial proliferation in the environment. Therefore, in addition to knowledge about maintaining pets' oral health, owners must also maintain their own oral health.
Pet Med – Finally, what message would you leave about the importance of oral care to ensure a better quality of life, affection, and longevity for all members of the multi-species family?
Marcos Vinicius Almeida Morais - Taking care of your pet's oral health is an act of love, as it directly influences the well-being and quality of life of animals. A healthy mouth means less pain, more energy, and anincrease in years of life with their guardians. And always seek a veterinary specialist in the area.
