According to the American Veterinary Dental Society,
80% of dogs and 70% of cats have oral disease by the age of 3. It is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. Common signs of oral disease include tartar buildup, red and swollen gums, bad breath, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and generalized depression.
Annual Dental Exam: A veterinarian should evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once per year. We recommend this because bacteria and food debris accumulate around a pet’s teeth daily and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay results in irreversible periodontal disease and even tooth loss. Ongoing “Dog Breath” or “Cat Breath” in a pet is not normal! It is a sign there is something needing attention in the pet’s body. If your pet has ongoing bad breath, contact your veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Dental Grading: Part of every annual physical examination should be a “Dental Grading” of the pet’s teeth and gums. At Wignall Animal Hospital/Lowell Veterinary Clinic, we use a Dental Grading Scale of 1-4. If you notice any of the signs noted in Grades II, III or IV, contact your veterinarian right away for a dental checkup.
Grade I / NICE JOB! No sign of plaque or tartar
Home dental care is needed to maintain these healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is ideal. There are products available to help make home dental care easy and hassle free, such as tooth sealers, rinses and food.
Grade II / Mild Gingivitis-Early Periodontal Disease
The gum is inflamed and swollen. You may notice a thin red line along the gum line. Plaque is beginning to cover the teeth. A Dental Prophylactic cleaning and polishing is indicated within the next few months.
Grade III/ Moderate Gingivitis-Established Periodontal Disease
Gums are inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor is noticed. Gum pockets allow bacteria to flourish. Moderate amounts of plaque have built up. Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed within the next 30 days. Tartar control diet and home dental care are needed afterward for prevention. Extractions may be needed.
Grade IV/Severe Gingivitis-Advanced Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is present; pet has red and bleeding gums. Gum may be damaged by infection and tartar. Pet shows signs of having a sore mouth and bad breath odor is also noted. Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed immediately. Gum pockets and extractions are expected. Chronic infection is destroying the gum, teeth and bone. Bacteria is spreading through the body via the bloodstream threatening the kidneys, liver and heart. Extractions and suturing are necessary. Tartar control diet and home dental care are needed to prevent recurrence.
Dental Disease: There are other reasons why you should pay close attention to your pet’s dental health. Dental disease can affect other organs in the body: bacteria in the mouth can get into the blood stream and may cause serious kidney infections, liver disease, lung disease and heart valve disease. Oral disease can also indicate that another disease process is occurring elsewhere in the pet’s body. A thorough physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory tests can determine if this is the case. If you notice any oral signs noted above, contact your veterinarian for a dental checkup. To learn more..Click here
Dental Disease Prevention: The best prevention is simple: (1) Daily Tooth Brushing at home, (2) a Dental-healthy Diet recommended by your veterinarian, (3) Annual Dental Checkups by your veterinarian and (4) Professional Dental Cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian. We provide free Tooth Brushing Instruction at a free checkup after each professional cleaning we perform; and we provide Free Tooth Brushing Classes every year during February and March to celebrate Pet Dental Health. To learn more…Click here.
Helpful Resources: To learn more about Pet Dental Health, connect to the resources below. If you have any questions or want any assistance with any aspect of your pet’s dental health, feel free to contact our medical team.
