Dental Procedure Information
Stages of Periodontal Disease, Digital Dental Radiographs,
Dental Prophylaxis, Brushing Your Pets Teeth, Home
Many pet owners don’t
realize that oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets. In
fact, statistics show that 85 percent of all dogs have some sort of tooth and
gum disease by the time they are just 3 years old. Just like in humans, dogs and
cats are susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to gingivitis
and even periodontitis, a chronic form of the disease that can be painful.
Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone around dog’s teeth. It’s caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, forming soft plaque that later hardens into tartar. If untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Over time, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to inflammation of the gums around the dog’s teeth—gingivitis.
Periodontitis is a potentially irreversible infection that if left untreated, can result in the destruction of gum and bone and other tissues around the dog’s teeth. In most severe cases, periodontitis can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, fracture of the jawbones, and other serious consequences that can dramatically impact a dog’s quality of life and overall health. Whenever it is possible, preventing disease is preferable to treating it!
The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented with a good dental care program including:
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There are four stages of periodontal disease are:
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Stage 1—Gingivitis Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to an infection causing inflammation of the gums around the dog’s teeth. Gum tissue around the teeth can become inflamed and swollen. |
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Stage 2—Mild Periodontitis Inflammation progresses to an infection that starts to destroy gum and bone tissue around the teeth. This can lead to discomfort for the dog, and bad breath may be noticeable.
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Stage 3—Moderate Periodontitis The continuing infection destroys more tissue around the teeth, often causing bleeding of gums and loosening of teeth. The discomfort and pain can affect eating habits.
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Stage 4—Severe Periodontitis Extensive infection is tearing down even more of the attachment tissues (gum and bone). Teeth are at risk of being lost.
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Digital Dental X-Rays provide valuable information that the eye can not detect. X-Rays allow the doctor to detect diseases to the tooth and bone structures that lie under the gum line.
Digital Dental X-rays can detect:
Abscesses before they rupture in your pets mouth.
· Decayed Tooth Root
· Feline Oral Resorpative Lesions
· Bone and ligament loss
Digital Dental X-Rays emit little radiation, and have results available within 3 seconds! This allows the pet to receive excellent quality diagnostics while being under anesthesia less time. Does your dentist require yearly radiographs?
How can you help prevent Dental Disease?
Brush your pets teeth on a daily basis
Offer toys to help reduce plaque and tater accumulation
Guma-bone
Rope toys
Never offer real bones. They can fracture teeth and cause intestinal blockage!
Dental Prophylaxis:
Ultra sonic cleaning, root planning, polishing,
and if necessary, tooth extraction are performed under general anesthesia. Each
time your pet eats, food deposits are left on the teeth. These deposits form
into a film called plaque, which hardens into tarter. Tarter harbors
hundreds of bacteria which cause gingivitis. As gingivitis progress's
periodontal disease begins to form (the degeneration of the tooth root). This
low grade infection affects the general health of your pet, including the heart
and kidney function.
Brushing your pet's teeth:The first step in beginning a home dental care program for your is to select a quiet, convenient time when you and your pet are both relaxed. After the evening meal is a good time for most people. For the first few days, simply hold your pet in a way that is comfortable for both you and your pet. This can be in your lap, or on the side of you. Gently stroke the outside of the cheeks with your finger for a few minutes. After your pet becomes comfortable with this routine, place a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let your pet sample the flavor. Poultry, Beef, Tuna and Mint are the common flavors available. Soon, your pet will consider it a treat. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush, and allow your pet to lick the brush. This will allow your pet to get use to the feel of the brush. Once you feel your pet is comfortable with the procedure, begin brushing by gently raising the upper lip and brushing one or two teeth in a slow, gentle, circular motion. Brush only a few teeth the first time, and don't forget to give your pet a lot of praise and reassurance. Gradually, increase the number of teeth you brush each day, until the entire mouth is being brushed. You only need to brush the outside edge of the teeth, so you don't need to open the mouth. It is most important to go slowly. Be patient and proceed gently. Soon, both you and your pet will look forward to the time you spend together during this important health care procedure. If your pet struggles a lot, you might need some help getting started. On restraining method that works is to wrap your pet in a towel or small blanket with just the head protruding. You are in much better control with the legs confined this way. GOOD LUCK!
