According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by three years of age. Without regular brushing and veterinary dental cleanings, bacteria, food particles, minerals from saliva, and other debris can accumulate as plaque and then harden on the tooth's surface and at the gum line, forming tartar or calculus. Can you imagine what your teeth and gums would look like if you never brushed your teeth?
If left untreated, this plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums). When gingivitis becomes severe, periodontal disease is the result, damaging the structures that support the teeth and ultimately leading to severe infection, tooth loss, and bone absorption. As well as being painful to your pet, bacteria can invade the bloodstream and damage other parts of the body, such as heart valves, liver, and kidneys. Pet owners are becoming more aware of the importance of dental care, however, dental disease remains the most common problem we see in our practice.
Our veterinarians routinely do a dental examination as part of your pet's physical exam, and can determine whether your pet is at risk for dental disease. The best thing pet owners can do is to routinely lift their pet's lips and check for tarter, inflamed gums, or missing, broken, or discolored teeth. Signs of tooth and gum disease include the following:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown stains on the teeth
- Heavy buildup of tarter
- Decreased appetite (dental disease hurts!)
- Drooling
- Loose teeth
- Redness or bleeding of gums
If it is determined that your pet has dental disease, we will schedule your pet for a complete dental cleaning. Because animals do not want to sit still for a cleaning (imagine that!), your pet will be placed under general anesthesia. First a complete oral exam will be performed to identify any and all problems such as pocketing and broken teeth. Then the technician will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove the tartar from each tooth. Your pet's teeth will be charted on a special dental record and you will receive a copy. Finally, the teeth are polished so that plaque will not come back as quickly. Because bacteria can be released into the blood stream, antibiotics are routinely dispensed to prevent infections and encourage healing. Many dental problems are impossible to identify until the pet is under anesthesia and examined closely so we will always contact you before performing additional procedures. |
