Oral hygiene is perhaps the most neglected aspect of pet health care. The same conditions that lead to tooth and gum disease in humans also affect our pets. It is estimated that 90% of pets over the age of 3 have significant mouth disease and 50% of those require immediate attention.
Plaque and tartar formation occurs in all dogs and cats, with small breed dogs being more prone to tartar build-up. This is due, in part, to their smaller mouths and shorter jaws. Common dental problems seen in these types of dogs are overcrowding and dental misalignment
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and results from plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of the tooth. If this process goes unchecked it can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is very difficult to cure and will lead to halitosis (bad breath), pain and discomfort, tooth abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can also lead to other issues with your pet. If the bacteria in an animal’s mouth get into the blood stream, a pet can become very sick. This can lead to problems such as lung and kidney disease, heart failure, and joint infections.
Veterinary Dental Treatments
If your pet has existing periodontal disease, the only way to clean the teeth is under general anaesthetic. The mouth and teeth are examined for any problems, then hand and /or ultrasonic scaling is done followed by a thorough cleaning. The teeth are then polished, which removes the microscopic scratches on the teeth that cleaning causes. Finally, a medicated rinse is flushed below the gum line to remove debris and reduce bacteria.
A thorough oral hygiene procedure done by your veterinarian takes anywhere from 35 minutes to over 2 hours depending on the severity of the mouth problem.
Signs your Pet Needs a Dental Check-Up
- Tooth discoloration, signs of a stony yellow or brown substance on the teeth
- Red or inflamed gums, particularly where the tooth and gum meet
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth or any sign that your dog flinches when a tooth is touched
- Bad breath
- Drooling
