DENTAL  CARE

Dental disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common illnesses found in both dogs and cats.  Without treatment, this very common malady can lead to a host of other problems including bad breath, tooth decay and/or loss, severe discomfort, inflammation of the gums and organ damage.  Fortunately, dental disease is easily prevented.  Keep reading to find out how!

            Dental or periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by the bacteria found in plaque.  When plaque builds up, it causes tartar to form on the teeth and along the gum line.  The tartar formations trap the bacteria in between the teeth and the gums, leading to infection.  If an animal does not receive routine dental care, this infection can cause tooth decay, pain and tooth loss.  If the periodontal disease is severe enough, bacteria may enter the animal's bloodstream and cause additional damage to various organs of the body.

            As is commonly the case, the best medicine for dental disease is prevention.  Below are some steps that you can take to help decrease or eliminate periodontal disease in your companion. 

• Annual Examinations & Cleanings - At each annual physical examination, your veterinarian will check your pet's mouth for signs of tartar build up and gum inflammation.  If the build up seems heavy, the doctor will most likely recommend that a dental cleaning be scheduled.  This dental cleaning, performed while the patient is under anesthesia, will serve to remove any existing tartar from the teeth.  This also gives the doctor sufficient time to check each individual tooth for signs of decay.  Sometimes, in order to prevent future problems, the veterinarian may recommend that a broken or diseased tooth be extracted.  The healthy teeth will be cleaned and polished, just as yours are each time you visit the dentist. 
• Antibiotics - Often, your veterinarian will recommend the use of antibiotics for dental disease in your pet.  Although the antibiotics cannot repair any damage that had been done to the teeth, their use can halt additional damage from being done.  Antibiotics are also generally recommended when a pet is scheduled for a dental cleaning.  This is done to eliminate the potential for systemic infections that may be caused when the excess bacteria in the mouth is "stirred up" during the cleaning procedures. 
• Brushing - Many pet owners laugh or cringe at the idea of brushing their companion's teeth.  However, it remains that the best form of dental home care includes daily brushing.  If your pet is cooperative, it would behoove you to try.  Your veterinarian can show you how and he or she can recommend products that will make the job easier for you.  There are various products available for oral home care, including finger brushes (small, soft rubber brushes that fit over the tip of your finger), flavored toothpastes and special gels.
• Dental Diets - Dry food is much better for your companion's teeth than canned food.  Chewing the pieces of dry food can help to reduce the amount of tartar that builds up on the surfaces of the teeth.  There are also specific "dental diets" available, which are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.  Talk to your veterinarian about which food is best for your little friend. 
• Dental Treats & Toys - There are a variety of treats and toys available for both cats and dogs which are formulated to help prevent dental disease.  Speak with your veterinarian regarding which are best.

            There are a variety of symptoms of periodontal disease, including but not limited to

• Difficulty eating

• Pawing at the mouth
• Weight loss 
• Anorexia
• Facial swelling
• Visible tartar
• Tooth discoloration
• Loose or missing teeth
• Drooling
• Red or bleeding gums
• Lethargy

If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these signs, call your veterinary hospital to schedule an appointment.