Periodontal disease can have a significant impact on a pet’s general well being. Pets with Periodontal disease are living with chronic oral infection and pain. The bacteria of periodontal disease can spread through the blood stream to infect other vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The key to your pet’s oral health are regular professional veterinary dental care and consistent preventative care at home.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive deterioration and infection of the gum and bone tissue surrounding the teeth. The process begins with a bacterial film on the tooth surface called plaque. The bacteria in the plaque cause bad breath and leads to an inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and painful gums. Over time the plaque hardens into a hard crust on the tooth called tartar. The tartar causes an infection at the tooth root called periodontitis. In this final stage of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the teeth are destroyed resulting in pain and tooth loss.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Bad Breath
Change in Chewing or eating habits
Yellow-Brown crusts on the teeth
Loose, broken, or missing teeth
Red or Bleeding Gums
Excessive Drooling
Veterinary Care
Regular Exams
At yearly visits the veterinarians of Lake Animal Hospital will evaluate the health of your pet’s mouth. During a regular oral exam a pet’s mouth is accessed for the presence and stage of Periodontal disease. The mouth is evaluated for any signs of pain, tartar, gingivitis, and damaged teeth. Based on the exam findings the veterinarian will make recommendations for future care.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Many pets need regular teeth cleanings to keep their mouth healthy. For the teeth cleaning your pet is anesthetized for their comfort and ease of the procedure. The mouth is carefully examined for signs and stage of dental disease. Each individual tooth is checked for mobility, fractures, and periodontal disease. The gums and tongue are also carefully examined for any abnormalities. Intra-oral x-rays of the teeth are taken to identify disease hidden below the gum line. The teeth are scaled with hand instruments and power scaling equipment to remove plaque and tartar. The teeth are then polished to protect the enamel. Any dental problems found during the examination are also taken care of at this time.
Home Care
Special Diets
One of the most convenient ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. Dental diets have kibbles that have a special texture and size that removes plaque as the pet chews. The prescription dental diet the veterinarians at Lake Animal Hospital recommend is Purina DH.
Treats & Chews
Chewing on treats and toys is an enjoyable pass time for many pets. Regular chewing activity on hard treats and toys can help prevent dental disease by physically removing plaque from the tooth surface. Avoid chews that are excessively hard such as hoofs and antlers because this may damage tooth enamel. Some specially formulated dental chews also have active ingredients that kill the bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque. Dental chews and treats that have the VOHC seal of approval have proven that they reduce plaque and tartar. The two brands of dental chews offered by Lake Animal Hospital are CET Chews and Tartar Shield.
Tooth Brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease. Brushing removes the plaque from the tooth surface. A traditional tooth brush or a finger brush can be used. It is important to use a brush that has soft bristles and is the appropriate size for your pet. A flavored toothpaste designed specifically for dogs and cats such as C.E.T. should be used to help kill the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.
Tooth Brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily can help prevent periodontal disease. Brushing removes the plaque from the tooth surface. A traditional tooth brush or a finger brush can be used. It is important to use a brush that has soft bristles and is the appropriate size for your pet. A flavored toothpaste designed specifically for dogs and cats such as C.E.T. should be used to help kill the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.