DENTAL DISEASE

Did u know that dental disease affects approximately 85% of dogs and cats over 1 year of age?

-      Usually bad breath is an early sign of poor oral health.

-       Dental plaque occurs early and is composed of food particles, bacteria and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and adhere to the tooth’s surface and form tartar.  When left on the tooth’s surface, it causes painful inflammation along the gum line and eventually, can cause recession of the gum line therefore resulting in loose teeth. THIS IS WHERE HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH) COMES FROM.

-       If dental disease is left untreated you can may loss of teeth, damage to the jaw bone and a dangerous source of infection by allowing build up of bacteria to enter into the blood stream and cause damage to vital organs (nervous system, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys)

The different stages of dental disease consist of:

      Stage 1- this is where plaque forms and marginal gingivitis is present

      Stage 2 – plaque can harden into tartar, gingivitis is noted and gums bleed when probed

      Stage 3 – plaque + tartar present, painful gingivitis, pockets, recession, < 50% bone loss

      Stage 4 – plaque + tartar present, sever pain, gingivitis, pockets, recession, mobile teeth,                       > 50% bone loss, and severe infection.

Dental disease can easily be prevented by doing the following:

1-     Brushing your pets teeth daily, with a veterinary approved, palatable tooth paste

2-      Feeding a specially designed veterinary approved dental diet to your pet

3-      Providing oral treats such as rawhides or dental chews that are veterinary approved

4-      Using a veterinary approved water additive added to your pets drinking water or oral rinse

5-      Best of all! Yearly or regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian is one of the most effective ways to ensure good oral health for your companion animal. 

Chantelle Oliver, RVT