Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you didn’t brush your teeth for a week, a month, or even a year. This is exactly what our pets experience when we neglect to properly care for their teeth. When you consider how often our pets kiss us on the face, it becomes more apparent how important it is to keep to their mouths clean.
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. More than 85% of dogs and cats over the age of three have a condition called periodontal disease, in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue. Bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Periodontal disease is the final stage in a process that begins with the development of plaque on your pet’s teeth. Plaque is a substance that forms when bacteria multiply on the teeth and gums. Plaque mixes with saliva, hardens, and becomes the substances known as tartar and calculus. Bacteria, plaque, tartar, and calculus irritate the gums, which become tender, red, and swollen. This stage of dental disease is called gingivitis. Eventually inflamed gums separate from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap more bacteria. These pockets deepen and bacteria may attack the roots of the teeth and the bony tissue of the jaw, causing teeth to loosen, the gums to bleed, mouth odor, and pain while eating.
Oral Health Concerns
Gingivitis can cause a multitude of health concerns. Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and may travel to major organs causing infection. Among organs that are most often affected are the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. Parts of the nervous system may be affected as well. Although these infections are usually treatable when caught at an early stage, they can cause serious damage to these organs and, if not caught in time, may cause death. Signs of oral disease include bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, loose teeth, cysts under the tongue, and lumps on gums.
The good news: Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The keys to your pet’s oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good care at home.
Step 1. Visit your veterinarian.
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, the doctor will examine your pet’s teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing, and other dental care in the hospital, or your veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care.
Step 2. Professional dental care.
If your pet already has evidence of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is necessary. Depending on your pet’s age and physical condition, your veterinarian may request blood analyses, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests be performed to evaluate the heart, liver, and kidneys for coexisting disease before proceeding with general anesthesia.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, accumulated tartar and calculus is removed by ultrasonic and hand scaling. Teeth that are beyond repair can be extracted. Finally, the teeth are polished to slow down formation of new plaque, tartar, and calculus. If there is evidence of major bone loss or another serious oral condition, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary dental specialist.
Step 3. Dental care at home.
For cats and dogs, regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended. Your veterinarian can show you the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth.
Feeding your pet a prescription dental diet, such as Hill’s T/D, may help prevent accumulation of plaque, tartar, and calculus. Ask your veterinarian which diet is best for your pet.
Step 4. Return to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups every 6 to 12 months.
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