Dodging the Dangers of Dental Disease
Courtney Quinn, VMD
Periodontal disease is the most common illness that veterinarians diagnose. More than 80 percent of our pets will suffer from some form of dental disease before they reach the age of four years. Yet, dental health is commonly overlooked. Unfortunately, as pet owners, we rarely recognize dental problems until they are advanced.
Signs of oral pain include drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard kibble, and dropping or spitting out food. Owners may also notice bad breath, plaque build-up, and red gums.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a combination of bacteria and debris, builds up on teeth and under the gum line. As the bacteria accumulate, they release toxins, which cause inflammation and destruction of the gum tissue, the periodontal ligament, and sometimes even the bone surrounding the teeth.
If bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. The changes associated with periodontal disease are irreversible. This is why preventative dental care is crucial.
All pets should receive a complete physical examination, including an oral examination, at least once each year. During the visit, be sure to express concerns about your pets’ breath, teeth and oral health. Your veterinarian should make note of any obvious signs of dental disease, including tartar build-up, gingivitis, broken, loose or missing teeth.
Next, your vet may recommend a complete dental cleaning to be performed under general anesthesia. Many pet owners are reluctant to have their pet anesthetized, but with advances in veterinary medicine and patient monitoring, anesthesia has become quite safe. Anesthesia will allow your veterinarian to perform a thorough examination and complete cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from under the gum line, stopping the progression of periodontal disease.
After the cleaning, your veterinarian may apply a barrier sealant to help repel plaque-causing bacteria. This high tech, low cost sealant gel is easy to continue at home and will help prevent further build up of plaque and tartar. Your vet may also recommend dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are very important for dogs and cats because more than half the tooth resides under the gum line. What’s more, 42 percent of cats and 28 percent of dogs have hidden dental problems that cannot be seen without x-rays. So, while you might think that your pet’s teeth are just fine, the odds are that the pet is actually losing bone and other important structures that help hold the tooth in place.
Beyond checking for signs of disease, x-rays help screen for breed-related problems. For example, many small breed dogs have retained baby teeth or crowded adult teeth that may become a problem if not addressed.
Armed with the knowledge from a complete oral examination and dental x-rays, your veterinarian will be able to make the very best recommendations for your pet.
Dental care does not end at the veterinarian’s office. You should play an integral role in your pets’ oral hygiene. From routine brushing to special water additives, mouth rinses, chew toys, and even a barrier sealant like OraVet, your veterinarian can give you suggestions to make caring for your pet’s teeth easier. The best news? These products not only remove plaque and freshen breath, they just might help your pet live a few years longer.