Dental Disease

I was totally unaware that pets have dental problems. Is it common?

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 85% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease.

What is periodontal disease?

This is simply inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar (calculus) on the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede. Untreated infection then spreads into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost.

Is periodontal disease very common?

It is estimated that over 85% of pets over three years old suffer from some degree of periodontitis, making it by far the most common canine disease. Signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, red swollen gums, loose teeth, bleeding gums, and difficulty eating.

Can periodontal disease cause other health problems?

Yes. As the oral infection increases tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also occur. In addition, the bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections, kidney and liver problems are frequently due to bad teeth.

Dental problems can also be indicative that other diseases are occurring elsewhere in the pet's body.

What is involved with a dental cleaning for my pet?

The goal of dental scaling, cleaning and polishing is to remove the tartar and invisible plaque. We will perform pre-anesthesia blood tests and ECG to ensure that kidney, liver and heart function are satisfactory. Sometimes antibiotic treatment is instituted before full dental prophylaxis is carried out.

Tooth scaling and cleaning will be performed both by hand and using ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. It may be necessary to carry out other procedures at the same time such as extractions and special applications such as fluoride and sealant may be indicated to decrease tooth sensitivity and strengthen enamel. Dental cleanings should be performed at periodic intervals throughout the pet's life.

How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?

Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. We recommend beginning a home dental care program for all pets. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your pet's teeth and gums.

Can I use human toothpaste?

Do not use human dentifrice or toothpaste on any account. These are foaming products and are not meant to be swallowed. Additionally, many types of human toothpaste contain sodium and the sugar substitute xylitol which may cause serious problems in some pets.

For more information about Dental Disease in pets, visit
www.CETDental.com and www.PetDental.com