The Windsor Journal

Dental care in dogs and cats is the most overlooked area of pet health, leading to oral disease as the number one health problem in pets.  The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three!  Oral care is not only important for the health of the mouth, but to avoid other serious health problems which can be associated with advanced dental disease.

How does oral disease start?
Dental disease starts with plaque, which is composed of bacteria combined with food debris and saliva, that accumulates on the surface of the teeth.  The bacteria within the plaque is irritating to the gums, leading to gingivitis. Over time, calcium salts are deposited in the plaque which forms tartar - the hard material that you can visually see on your pets teeth. If left untreated, the accumulation of plaque and tartar leads to continued gingivitis as well as inflammation and infection to the supporting structures of the teeth (bone and ligaments) , resulting in periodontal disease.

What are the signs of oral disease?
Common signs of oral disease are halitosis (bad breath), red, swollen, and tender gums that may bleed easily, excessive drooling, and a change in eating habits. Local complications of oral disease are pain and tooth loss; more serious systemic complications of periodontal disease can be damage to other organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

What should I do if I notice my pet has a problem?
The first step is to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.  Your pet's doctor will perform a thorough exam of your pet's mouth, assessing for abnormalities such as gingivitis, gum recession, broken teeth, or abscessation. Should problems be identified, your veterinarian will likely recommend a dental cleaning, which would be of great benefit to your pet.

What is involved with a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning does require general anesthesia.  Prior to anesthesia, a complete physical exam is performed and pre-anesthetic blood work is run to evaluate internal organ function. Depending on the age and state of your pet, xrays and an EKG may also be warranted. Using safe anesthesia and monitoring, your pet's mouth is evaluated - each tooth is probed and assessed for fractures, pockets, or mobility. If extractions are needed, these are performed using a high speed drill and dental equipment and the gum is then closed with absorbable suture. Ultrasonic scaling is performed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line, and the mouth is then flushed to remove the bacteria from the mouth.  But the care of your pet's mouth doesn't stop at your vet's office - continued home care for your pet is just as important!

February is National Pet Health Dental Month! The veterinary staff at the New England Veterinary Center and Cancer Care would be happy to keep your pet's mouth a happy and healthy one!

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