Take a Bite out of Dental Disease!

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for our pets over four years of age. Many pet owners don’t realize that periodontal disease affects eight out of ten pets, however regular dental checks can help maintain the overall health and comfort for our pets.

  Periodontal disease is the inflammation caused by food, bacteria, and tartar collecting in the spaces between the gum and tooth. Left untreated, this area can become infected. The infection can spread to the bone, weakening the teeth. As the infection enters the bloodstream, it can travel to all the major organs of the body.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

• Chronic bad breath
• Bleeding or inflammed gums
• Visible tartar on teeth
• Loose, missing, or broken teeth
• Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat

  If your pet has been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning. This requires your pet to be placed under general anesthesia to remove the tartar and clean the teeth. The teeth will then be polished to smooth the surface of the teeth, reducing the areas where bacteria and tartar can re-form. During this procedure, your vet will closely examine the teeth to determine if extractions or other treatments may be necessary.

  If an extraction is necessary, recovery is often easier than pet owners expect. A marked improvement in your pet’s chewing ability may be noticed after the treatment.

  To maintain dental health, follow up care should continue at home. Daily brushing of the teeth is always best. Oravet, a wax-like substance, can be applied to the teeth once weekly to prevent new plaque formation. Antimicrobial dental rinses and dental treats such as Greenies can be used at home with minimal time and effort.

 Remember, poor dental health can affect more than just your pet’s teeth, so schedule a dental check up soon. Help us take a bite out of dental disease!