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Historical November 1992 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Q.
My cat has very bad breath although she seems well. Why is this? Halitosis is a common problem for cats and dogs. Gingivitis, periodontis and excessive calculus build-up are likely causes for `bad breath? Endocarditis (an inflammation of the interior lining of the heart). nephritis (kidney inflammation), and hepatitis (liver inflammation) are more serious medical problems caused by chronic oral/dental disease. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums will reduce ‘bad breath”; more important, good oral/dental health promotes good general health. Diet, genetic predisposition and oral hygiene affect the degree of oral disease. Hard (dry) foods are better for the teeth than canned or hard dog biscuits. Also, dogs that chew wooden sticks benefit from the natural cleansing action. Generally, cats do not chew on objects and must rely on hard food to stimulate teeth and gums. Owners willing to spend the time teaching a pet to accept oral hygiene measures can prevent or significantly improve the oral health of a pet.
Most pets will accept— enjoy—tooth brushing if properly trained using behavior modification techniques. Special toothbrushes, pastes and liquids are available for safe and effective use with pets. “Brushing” a pet’s teeth three times weekly is the goal. Professional oral/dental care is available from veterinarians for pets.
During the last 5-8 years the veterinary profession has realized the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, not as a source of a nice smile. but as a necessary part of general health.
As with humans, routine home care is the most important factor in good oral health. Pets who already have periodonitis, gingivitis , broken teeth, receding gums or root abscesses require professional care from a veterinarian. Routine professional cleanings and homecare provide the best chance of preventing deteriorating oral conditions that are painful and harmful for a dog or cat.
If an owner is unable to do any homecare, the pet’s visits to the veterinarian for cleaning and evaluation gain more significance.
The goal for maintaining a pet’s good oral health is to decrease the possibility of serious oral problems that contribute to overall poor health, keeping your pet healthy and pleasant to be around without “bad breath.”
Original photograph caption
Dog and cat illustrating the original Pet Talk column. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1992.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1992_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
