Just like humans, our pets need regular dental care to remove plaque and tartar. If not taken care of, they can suffer life-threatening health problems. 7News has more in today's "Protecting your Pet."
One look at Peepers, and Peter Parente is all smiles.
"He has the best personality," Parente said. "He's playful, inquisitive and loving."
But Peepers -- a Kinkajou from the raccoon family -- was losing his grin because of major tooth trouble.
"All of the sudden, he started getting infections on his eyes and around his chin, all the areas around his mouth," Parente said.
Other signs of problems include gnawing, drooling, difficulty eating and bad breath. Peeper's diagnosis: four teeth had roots exposed.
Eighty percent of cats and dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of three.
"Tartar builds up under the gums, and unfortunately when bacteria build up under the gums, it can spread to other organs," said Dr. Jan Bellows, from Hometown Animal Hospital.
Leading to kidney, liver and heart problems and a shortened life span. Yearly dental exams can prevent it.
"We're looking for inflammation -- areas of bone loss, gum inflammation, loose or fractured teeth," Dr. Bellows said.
And even cavities.
"All cats over five have at least one cavity," he said.
Most vets recommend annual cleanings. It's done under light anesthesia.
"Some animals never need a dental until eight or nine years of age," Dr. Mark Stevens of Seiler Animal Hospital said. "Others need it once every eight months, depending on how saliva breaks down the food."
You can also buy at home products for their teeth to prevent plaque. Give them dry food along with wet to eliminate tartar. Avoid extremely hard treats like bones. They can fracture teeth.
Peepers had a mouthful of problems.
"What we had to do was take out the lower teeth and do a root canal on the top teeth," Dr. Bellows said. "This is something we do everyday."
But he's doing better now.
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