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Dental Care

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Did you know that over 85% of adult dogs and cats have periodontal disease severe enough to need treatment? Periodontal disease is not only painful; it has also been associated with disease in organs far from the mouth, such as the liver and heart. Periodontal disease is the number one preventable disease diagnosed in our pets.

Periodontal disease starts with plaque, which is a mixture of saliva, bacteria, glycoproteins and sugars that adhere to the tooth surface. Within minutes after a cleaning, a thin layer of plaque has adhered to the teeth. Eventually, if the plaque is not removed, it hardens into concrete-like calculus. The calculus is irritating to the gum tissue, and creates a rough surface for more and more plaque to adhere to. The calculus eventually allows bacteria to invade and survive underneath the gums. This bacteria and its by-products eat away at the tooth’s support structure (bone, tissue, and the periodontal ligament), ultimately eating away larger and larger pockets around the tooth. Eventually, the tooth becomes loose and will either fall out on its own, or require extraction.

Signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, reluctance to eat or chew on toys, chewing on only one side of the mouth, dropping food, pawing or rubbing the face, drooling, and acting painful around the mouth or face. Occasionally, a swelling below the eye or on the muzzle can be seen.

The best way to care for your pet’s teeth is to:

  1. Bring your pet in for an examination including a dental exam.If you suspect a problem, don’t wait for your pet’s annual check up to schedule an appointment.
  2. Begin a dental care regimen at home. Ideally, try to brush your pet’s teeth every day. Be sure to use toothpaste that is made for dogs and cats-not human toothpaste. You can use either a pet toothbrush or a child’s toothbrush. If your pet won’t cooperate for this, many types of dental chews, toys and rinses are also available.
  3. Follow the veterinarian’s recommendation for professional dental cleanings. Routine dental cleanings help us catch any disease early enough to treat it, and can help to prevent severe periodontal disease and tooth loss.