Teeth have a distinct role to play. As the 1st step in the digestive process they are adapted to the largely meat-eating habits of our pets. They are similar in structure to their ancestors, for whom catching and immobilising prey was a priority. Dogs have 42 teeth in total (12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars). Cats have 30 (12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars and 4 molars).

Royal Canin are leaders in palatability. So confident are we that your pet will enjoy their food that we offer a no quibble, money- back guarantee. Simply return the food to your veterinary practice for a full refund*.

* Terms and conditions apply

Puppies and kittens are not usually born with teeth. Temporary (deciduous) teeth start to appear at 2-3 weeks in the cat and at 3-4 weeks in the dog. Teething (eruption of adult dentition with the loss of temporary teeth) starts at about 16 weeks, and is complete by about 6-7 months. It is common for puppies to seek out items to chew during this time.

We recommend that you frequently handle the mouths of your young animals. This should help to increase their acceptance of tooth brushing and cleaning in the future.

Gums should be a healthy pink colour, with no redness or bleeding where the gums meet the teeth. Some dogs and cats have areas of pigment in their mouths, which is quite normal.

n Breath should not smell bad this can be a sign of dental or oral disease

n There should be no discomfort when eating; your pet's appetite should be healthy and consistent

n Teeth should be white and clean, not discoloured

n Temporary (deciduous) teeth are normally very sharp and look very similar to each other

n Adult (permanent) teeth are less sharp than the temporary teeth present during growth and are clearly different according to type (incisor, canine, premolar and molar). They should not be loose or drop out

Plaque is a mixture of oral bacteria, food debris and proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the surface of the teeth. It hardens to form calculus (tartar) and further plaque accumulates on top. This build up on the tooth creates an ideal environment for further food and bacteria to accumulate. Eventually, this leads to inflammation and infection of the gum (gingivitis), which in turn can spread to surrounding tissues. If untreated, this periodontal disease can lead to extensive loss of teeth as a result of damage to the structures that support them.

Royal Canin Dental Diets are designed to promote good oral and dental hygiene in your pet. The special kibbles help to mechanically remove dental plaque and tartar. When your pet chews their food the abrasive texture of the kibble scrubs each tooth, gently working away the plaque and tartar.

These complete diets are designed to be fed every day and are proven to reduce plaque and tartar formation by up to 55%* when compared to feeding a standard dry diet. Their positive effects extend to helping clean all teeth, not just those used in chewing.

Royal Canin Dental Diets contain specific nutrients to help support oral hygiene:

n Sodium tripolyphosphate binds salivary calcium so it is unavailable for incorporation into tartar

n Zinc helps also helps to slow down tartar build-up, has antiseptic properties and helps reduce bad breath

n Green tea polyphenols also help maintain a healthy mouth and gums

70% of cats and 85% of dogs over 3 years of age are affected by periodontal disease**. Taking care of your dog or cat s teeth is an important part of daily healthcare. There are a variety of ways that you can help to look after your pet s teeth.

Your veterinary practice is an excellent source of information on all aspects of dental care. Routine dental check-ups are common in most veterinary practices and recall visits are encouraged throughout your pet's life. Many practices have

Veterinary Nurses who are specifically trained to advise on dental health and diets, and some Veterinary Surgeons specialise in dentistry. All dental treatments such as scaling and polishing and extractions are carried out under general anaesthesia.

When you are examining your pet s mouth or brushing teeth, make sure his/her back is towards you, and stop if you see any signs that your pet is uncomfortable or distressed. Children may find the idea of brushing their pet s teeth fun, but you should never allow young children to put their fingers into your pet s mouth or attempt to brush their teeth.

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS Why are teeth extracted and not just filled? Your pet's teeth suffer more often from periodontal disease than most people. For that reason fillings and crowns are rarely a treatment option. Your Veterinary Surgeon and where necessary a specialist Veterinary Dentist will recommend the most appropriate approach for your dog or cat.

Do dogs and cats teeth grow again? No, once the adult teeth have erupted no further teeth appear during the animal s life.

My dog is 2 years old. Is it too late to start tooth brushing now? No, it s never too late to start brushing your pet s teeth. Even older dogs or cats can be trained to accept tooth brushing ask your Veterinary Nurse to help you.

My dog likes to chew stones. Is that ok? No. Stone chewing is not uncommon and can damage and break your dog s teeth, not to mention the potential problems should the stone be swallowed. Try to encourage your dog to chew toys that are specifically designed for this purpose.

Introduction

Teething

What is normal?

Plaque and tartar

Nutritional support

Tooth structure and anatomy

Daily care for oral health

Important

Dental check-ups

* Harvey CE (2004). The Oral Cavity, in Chandler EA, Gaskell RM, Feline medicine and therapueutics. Blackwell Publishing and BSAVA: 379-395

** Gorrel C, Robinson J. Periodontal technique and extraction technique. In Crossley, Penman: British Small Animal Association, Manual of Small Animal Dentistry. Gloucester, UK, 1995: 139-149

© Royal Canin/Callimedia

Pulp

Gingiva

Alveolar Bone

Cementum Periodontal Ligament

Gingival Sulcus

Enamel

Lateral Canal

Dentine