Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common problems affecting our pets today.  68% of all pets over 3 years old has some form of periodontal disease.  This is often painful but animals don't always show that they are in pain.  You may see a decrease in appetite, or your pet may approach the food dish, but be reluctant to eat.  She may chew in obvious discomfort, drop food from her mouth, have difficulty swallowing or drool excessively.  Some animals will shake their head or paw at their mouth.  Often bad breath is a sign.

Bad calculus and gingivitis

Dental disease is different in animals than in humans.  Humans get tooth decay most often.  Dogs get periodontal disease, and cats get periodontal disease, gingivitis, and cervical neck lesions.

All mammals have bacteria in their mouths, which breeds on the tooth surface, forming an invisible layer of plaque.  Some of this naturally gets removed by the tongue, and by the animal's chewing habits, but some becomes mineralized into tartar (calculus).  This shows up as a tan or brown substance most often found at the gumline, especially on the back teeth.  If advanced, it will cover the whole tooth!  If this combination of bacteria and minerals is left, it causes gingivitis and gum recession.  The infection goes down into the tooth socket and sometimes pus and abscesses will form. The infection loosens the ligaments that keep the tooth in place, and eventually the tooth is lost.

Because bleeding gums are often involved, calculus is a source of bacteria for the bloodstream, and it can circulate to other areas of the body.  Heart valve, liver, kidney, and urinary tract infections can all be caused by dental disease!

Cats get holes in their enamel called cervical neck lesions.  The enamel is destroyed, slowly deepening until it goes all the way through.  They usually occur where the tooth and gums meet.  They are very painful and must be extracted or amputated.  Their cause is unknown, but it is thought that a good home care plan can prevent them.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is irreversible.  But we can slow down the process with a professional cleaning and a home care regimen.  Prevention is best.  Get in the habit of brushing your pet's teeth every day with special toothpaste!  If you can't do it everyday, do at LEAST every other day.  Some toys are good if you have a pet that likes to chew.  C.E.T. chews are the ones we like best.  There are new dental diets out there now, like Science Diet Oral Care and the prescription diet t/d.

CET brushes, paste, and chews

There is a new product called Oravet Gel.  This is a waxy substance that you apply to the outside of your pet's teeth once a week.  It prevents tartar from accumulating and is very easy to do.  This is a great thing to do if your pet will not allow you to brush often.  It is also good in addition to brushing.

Once tartar accumulates, however, the only way to get it off is a professional cleaning.  Animals don't hold their mouths open for us, so this is a procedure that requires anesthesia.  Beforehand, we will check bloodwork and an ECG to be sure your pet is in good health.  Once asleep, one technician monitors your pet, while another is actually doing the cleaning.  She will use both electrical and hand scalers to remove any tartar or plaque from above and below the gumline.  Polishing removes any irregularities on the tooth that plaque or tartar could adhere to.  Every tooth is checked for problems, and radiographs are taken if we are suspicious about any.  We rinse the teeth with an antibacterial liquid and apply fluoride.  We will call you if we find any teeth that should be extracted, which the doctor would then do after the technicians are done cleaning.  For a step by step look at what happens when your pet is here, click here.

Plaque and tartar can begin to form in as little as 6 hours, so brushing at home is very important!  Click here for an explanation of how to brush your pet's teeth.