Why Professional Dental Care is Important

No matter how diligent you are about dental care for your pet, good home care is not enough. Regular checkups at your veterinarian’s office are also a must. Professional dental care is as important for pets as it is for people. It can help detect existing problems early before they become serious and prevent new ones from starting. Working together, you and your veterinarian can help keep your pet’s teeth and his overall health sparkling.

NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH
According to the American Vet­erinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of 3. The most common of these disorders in pets is periodontal disease. According to Dr. Sandra Manfra Marretta, professor and head of Small Animal Surgery and Dentistry at the Uni­versity of Illinois, “What makes periodontal dis­ease such a big problem is so small you can’t even see it.”

Without regular brushing and vet­erinary dental cleanings, bacteria, food particles, and other debris can accumulate and harden on the tooth’s surface and at the gum line, forming plaque, she explains. As bacteria grow inside the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns into tartar.

If left untreated, this plaque and tartar buildup can result in gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums). When gingivitis becomes severe, perio­dontal disease is the result. And periodontal disease can wreak havoc in a pet’s mouth, damaging the structures around the teeth and ultimately leading to tooth loss. As if pain and tooth loss weren’t enough, the disease can lead to far more serious problems as well. In dogs and cats, severe infection can invade the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

SIGNS OF TROUBLE
According to Dr. Jan Bellows, veterinary dentist and owner of All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, Florida, both veterinarians and pet owners are becoming more aware of the importance of veterinary dental care in maintaining the oral health of dogs and cats. Nevertheless, he cautions, “periodontal disease persists as the most common infection seen in veterinary practice today.”

Besides “doggy breath,” which almost always signals tooth trouble, typical signs of periodontal disease include swollen and/or bleeding gums, which can be very painful. The pain may become so severe that it causes your pet to lose his appetite. Affected pets can seem disinterested in food, or they may try to eat but then let the food drop from their mouth. “In advanced cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to eliminate pain,” Dr. Manfra Marretta tells us.

A quick inspection of your pet’s mouth can give some good clues to what might be going on. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing, broken, or discolored teeth. Have you noticed your cat or dog drooling lately? Is your pet reluctant to eat or play with toys? Does Spot or Sassy paw at his or her face? These are potential signs of oral disease.

The plaque and tartar that lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease can be removed only by your veterinarian, who uses specially designed dental instruments to remove it. Just as people should visit their dentist regularly for a checkup, so should your dog or cat go to the dentist for prophylaxis (dental cleaning) and to treat gingivitis and its complications.

FIRST THINGS FIRST
Before your pet’s dental visit can be scheduled, your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination that includes checking the heart for an arrhythmia and performing blood tests. Because many animals have a hard time sitting still for a dental exam, your veterinarian may need to place your pet under anesthesia. Checking the heart for arrhythmia and reviewing blood tests to confirm that the liver, kidneys, and blood counts are normal reduce possible risks associated with anesthesia.

In many cases, pets that show signs of significant periodontal disease will be given antibiotics a few days prior to the dental cleaning to reduce the infection and possibility of complications. Also, pet owners need to withhold food and water from the pet after a certain hour on the evening before the procedure, as is common in any medical procedure that involves anesthesia. Check with your veterinarian for the exact timing.

EXAM EXPECTATIONS
A veterinarian will examine your pet’s teeth and gums much like your dentist inspects your mouth. For a healthy pet with minimal dental disease, the exam should take less than a half hour. Patients with more extensive problems will require a longer exam. Your veterinarian may also want to take dental radiographs to evaluate the mouth for hidden problems.

During a routine dental checkup, your veterinarian will:

• Brush your pet’s teeth to remove bacteria and surface debris
• Inspect the mouth for signs of gum disease, loose teeth, and indications of sensitivity or pain
• Count the teeth and note any that are missing or broken
• Remove plaque and tartar from the teeth using an electric instrument that breaks up the offending material without damaging the teeth
• Remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line by hand
• Remove any loose or diseased teeth
• Polish the teeth to make it difficult for new tartar to form on the tooth’s surface
• Flush the mouth with a special solution, wipe the teeth dry, and apply fluoride

GETTING INTO A HEALTHY HABIT
When it comes to teeth and gums, dogs and cats aren’t that different from their owners. We keep our teeth healthy by daily brushing and regular visits to the dentist, and our pets deserve the same diligence. Getting into the habit of taking your pet for regular dental checkups and cleaning is one of the best ways you can care for your four-legged friend. Your veterinarian will make recommendations about home dental care, special diets made to enhance oral health, and toys that can maintain your pet’s healthy grin and help him live a long and healthy life.

• Loose teeth

Noticing any of these signs should prompt a call to your veterinarian.

TOOTH CHECK
One of the best things pet owners can do to protect the good health of their pets is to check the teeth, gums, and oral cavity on a regular basis. Healthy teeth should be clean and white, and the gums should be uniformly pink. Signs of tooth and gum disease include:

• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown stains on the teeth
• Redness of the gums, especially where the teeth and gums meet
• Decreased appetite
• Drooling