Pet Dental Health
Have you looked in your pet's mouth recently? Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet's family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition. The most common dental problem in people is tooth decay which results in painful, infected cavities. In dogs and cats, the most common dental problems seen are caused by periodontal disease. The "finicky appetites" that many cats display may be a result of dental disease and oral pain.
The accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the teeth surfaces lead to infection and gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If the disease is caught early and a thorough veterinary dental cleaning performed, most of the teeth and gums will have a full recovery. However, if gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. During this process the bone and ligaments that support the tooth are destroyed leading to excessive tooth mobility, possible root abscesses and eventual tooth loss. As oral infection increases, bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections, kidney and liver problems are frequently caused by "bad teeth".
At your pet's annual wellness exam, the veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning or prophylaxis. This cleaning includes a complete scaling using both hand scalers and ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. It may be necessary to carry out other procedures such as extractions at the same time. Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. A home dental care program is a must for all pets. Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed information on how to brush or rinse your pet's teeth. There are also advances in nutritional pet diets that reduce tartar accumulation. Never use human toothpaste on dogs or cats, as these are not designed to be regularly swallowed and could cause health problems. How is your pet's dental health?
The accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the teeth surfaces lead to infection and gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. If the disease is caught early and a thorough veterinary dental cleaning performed, most of the teeth and gums will have a full recovery. However, if gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. During this process the bone and ligaments that support the tooth are destroyed leading to excessive tooth mobility, possible root abscesses and eventual tooth loss. As oral infection increases, bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections, kidney and liver problems are frequently caused by "bad teeth".
At your pet's annual wellness exam, the veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning or prophylaxis. This cleaning includes a complete scaling using both hand scalers and ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. It may be necessary to carry out other procedures such as extractions at the same time. Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. A home dental care program is a must for all pets. Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed information on how to brush or rinse your pet's teeth. There are also advances in nutritional pet diets that reduce tartar accumulation. Never use human toothpaste on dogs or cats, as these are not designed to be regularly swallowed and could cause health problems. How is your pet's dental health?