Oral check ups in pets should be done at least once yearly. Most of the vets are routinely they are checking the animals teeth while they are being vaccinated. In my opinion some small breeds teeth in dogs like Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas teeth etc should be checked even twice per year because of increased risk of periodontal disease.
Is it possible to maintain dental hygiene at home or is it a must to get it done at the clinic?
Yes it is. Prophylaxis is always better then treatment. Most of the periodontal disease is starting in dogs around 3 years of age. By performing regular oral check and properly maintaining oral hygiene we can reduce or at least postpone the formation of the oral plaque and tartar (oral calculus)
Are there any products you recommend for maintaining oral hygiene at home for cats and dogs?
Yes. There are many products of products on the market that are used for maintaining the oral/dental hygiene in dogs.
They range from tooth pastes/ dental brushes, mouth rinses, dental chews, specialized dental foods etc.
Some of them are very effective but unfortunately not easy to use. Like for example toothbrushes may be not tolerated by some animals and difficult to use because of small jaw size and in general discomfort when the owners are trying to brush them even it is not painful procedure. In cats is almost impossible to use toothbrushes.
The dental food and oral bars made from food are quite good way to eliminate the plaque and reduce tartar. Unfortunately once the tartar is already formed pet pet owners have to visit their vet who will recommend dental scaling and polishing afterwards in order to reduce the formation of the dental plaque.
Are there any other alternative ways (such as a particular food or medicine?) to prevent oral infections?
As I mentioned before in most of the Dubai veterinary practices you can purchase special dental food designed for animals from different breed sizes including cats, which can reduce and postpone the build up of the tartar, but they cannot completely eliminate the existing one.
There are some special products on the market that are added to the drinking water which can reduce the bacterial build up in the mouth and minimize the formation of the bacterial plaque on the teeth.
Any advice on how to better take care of a pet suffering from oral infections/diseases?
I would suggest first a visit to their local vet who will perform oral examination and determine the condition of the teeth, gums and advice them if their pet can be treat by brushing, by using dental food or recommend dental scaling.
What are the most common dental infections/diseases that affect cats/dogs and what are common causes of such infections/diseases?
The most common oral cavity diseases affecting our animals are the dental plaque/ tartar and periodontal diseases.
The underlying problem of the periodontal disease and gingivitis is complexed problem. It can be can be related with some other disease like for example diabetes, chronic kidney failure, viral infections in cats etc.
It is very commonly believed that the bacterial flora inside the mouth and the saliva composition are playing essential role in the formation of the dental plaques. The plaque later gets harden by the minerals of the saliva and transforms into dental callus which is firmly attached to the teeth .
The calculus spreads under the gum line allowing the bacteria to penetrate that area and damage the supportive gum tissue of the tooth. Bacterial toxins, remains of food are accumulating in that pocket shaped area causing loosen of the teeth and commonly damage even the jaw bone.