Tooth pain and disease can be common in elderly pets. This is especially true if in their younger days their dental care was neglected. Sometimes it is also a condition of the aging process. Treatment can itself be a problem as proper dental care for teeth and gums really requires general anesthesia in order to address problems just below the gumline. Anesthesia in the elderly can entail greater risks since the elderly can have other body system problems, like heart disease, kidney insufficiency, thyroid disease, or liver insufficiency.
Dental care should be seriously considered in those cases where infection is present. Infection in the gums and tooth roots puts additional "strain" on the animal's other systems as the body fights a constant showering of bacteria from the infection. In some cases, long term antibiotics are indicated.
Home care can be done. In dogs, if they do not have a digestive problem with rawhide, they are the best dental tool to use. The hide will soften and massage the gums, rub off tartar and keep food debris off the teeth. Bones can be too hard and large dogs can actually break their teeth chewing on bones. There are numerous objects on the market for dental exercise that work well, depending on your pet's preference. It is always better to get young dogs used to these things before they reach geriatric status, but sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Cats can play with soft toys and in biting them, they will have some effect on removing food debris from the teeth before it can develop into plaque and then tartar.
Swabbing or brushing your pets' teeth
with approved tooth care products is also helpful (although usually easier
to become part of your pet's routine if started when they are young).
Chlorhexidine containing solutions or pastes act to kill mouth bacteria.
Toothpaste for people SHOULD NOT BE USED as it contains ingredients that
shouldn't be swallowed and it is quite difficult to teach your cat or dog
to spit!
dental products
When your pet requires professional dental care, it may not be uncommon for teeth to be extracted to eliminate infection. Many people express concern about how their dog or cat will eat if it has teeth removed. The consideration should be that with the removal of diseased teeth the pet will likely feel better! Cats and dogs both have been known to eat kibble after the removal of many teeth. Since most of our pets don't have to hunt and kill their own food, removal of diseased teeth is not a problem.