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For the month of August, appropriate for Dental Health Month, we're offering 10% off dental procedures. Make sure your pet's pearly whites are healthy!
The information below is also posted in our Pet Health Library.
Featured this month are common summer issues:
Canine Dentistry
Dental Disease
Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
Dental Hygiene
Canine Dentistry
Yes, there is such a thing!
I was totally unaware that dogs have dental problems. Is it common?
Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet's family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition.
Are dental problems the same in pets and people?
No. In man the most common problem is tooth decay which, due to the loss of calcium from the enamel, results in painful infected cavities. In the dog decay represents less than 10% of dental problems, the majority of which are caused by periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
This is simply inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar (calculus) on the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede. Untreated infection then spreads into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost.
Is periodontal disease very common?
It is estimated that over 68% of dogs over three years old suffer from some degree of periodontitis, making it by far the most common canine disease.
What is tartar and can it be prevented?
The mouth of all mammals is home to thousands of bacteria. Many of these bacteria will breed on the surfaces of the tooth and form an invisible layer called plaque or biofilm. Some of this is removed naturally by the dog's tongue and chewing habits but if allowed to remain the plaque thickens, becomes mineralized and is then visible as tartar (calculus). The tartar presses on the gums, which recede, and the bacteria then result in gum inflammation and infection (gingivitis). The gums continue to recede until ultimately the socket is infected and the tooth is lost.
As the oral infection increases tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also occur. In addition, the bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections (endocardiosis or endocarditis), kidney and liver problems are frequently due to bad teeth.
Can tartar be prevented?
Plaque is mineralized in some dogs much quicker than others. Special canine toys as well as feeding the newer dental diets help reduce tartar build up, as does regular home care - tooth brushing. Today there are many products designed to reduce tartar in our dogs.
Will feeding dry food remove tartar?
Once tartar has formed it will be necessary to remove it with a professional scaling and polishing under anesthesia. There are exciting new dental diets that can help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar in your pet.
What is involved with a dental cleaning for my dog?
The goal of dental scaling and polishing is to remove the tartar and invisible plaque. We will perform pre-anesthesia blood tests to ensure that kidney and liver function are satisfactory. Sometimes antibiotic treatment is instituted before full dental prophylaxis is carried out. We will be happy to discuss this with you.
Tooth scaling will be performed both by hand and using ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. It may be necessary to carry out other procedures at the same time such as extractions and special applications such as fluoride may be indicated to decrease tooth sensitivity and strengthen enamel.
These procedures will be fully discussed both before your pet's dental cleaning and when you bring your pet in for the procedure. We will need a telephone number where you can be reached during the dental cleaning so that we can discuss any additional work that may be indicated once we begin.
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Do I have to make an appointment for my dog to have a scale and polish?
Yes. We will perform pre-anesthesia blood tests and examine your pet for any other underlying disorders.
How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?
Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. We recommend beginning a home dental care program for all pets. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to brush your pet's teeth.
Can I use human toothpaste?
Do not use human dentifrice or toothpaste on any account. These are foaming products and are not meant to be swallowed. Additionally, many types of human toothpaste contain sodium, which may cause problems in some pets.
This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM. Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license, June 8, 2006.
Dental Disease
A common condition
How common is dental disease in cats?
Dental disease is the most frequent condition seen by veterinarians. Approximately two-thirds (68%) of cats over three years of age have some degree of dental disease. The most common problems are due to periodontal disease, gingivitis and cervical neck lesions (also called resorptive lesions or odontoclastic lesions).
What signs am I likely to see?
There are a number of signs that should alert you to dental disease or other mouth problems presenting your cat. Your cat may show a decreased interest in food, or approach the food bowl and then show a reluctance to eat. It may chew with obvious caution and discomfort, drop food from the mouth, or may swallow with difficulty. Dribbling may be seen, possibly with blood, and there may be a marked unpleasant odor to the breath. In some cases the cat may be seen pawing at their mouth or head shaking. A reluctance to eat may lead to weight loss, which can become quite marked. Many cats will refuse dry food and demonstrate a preference for moist or canned foods. Dental disease and oral pain may account for the "finicky appetites" that many cats display.
What causes dental disease?
The most common cause of dental disease in cats is due to tartar and calculus accumulation. As in humans, cats accumulate bacterial plaque on the surface of their teeth, If the plaque is not removed quickly, it becomes mineralized to form tartar and calculus. The bacterial products and decaying food stuck to tartar are one potential cause of bad breath.
Tartar is easily identified by its tan or brown color - it normally starts at the gum edge, especially on the back teeth (premolars & molars). In severe cases it may cover the entire tooth.
The accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the teeth surfaces lead to infection and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If the disease is caught at an early stage and a thorough veterinary dental scaling and polishing performed, most of the teeth and gums will have a full recovery. However, if gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. During this process the bone and ligaments that support the tooth are destroyed leading to excessive tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. Infection around the socket causes the formation of pus and a foul odor and may spread deep into the tooth socket creating an abscess, or even more severe problems.
Once periodontal disease starts, the degenerative changes cannot be reversed. These changes make it easier for more plaque and tartar to collect, resulting in further disease.
Is gingivitis always associated with dental disease?
A slight degree of redness seen as a thin line just below the edge of the gum may be considered normal in some kittens and adult cats with no evidence of dental disease.
Some cats develop severe gingivitis with minimal signs of accompanying dental disease. The affected areas may extend beyond the gums to other areas of the mouth, such as the throat or tongue. The cause of this condition is not fully understood but it is likely to be multi-factorial and may differ between individual cases. This condition is often very difficult to control and may require repeated or constant treatment, and its accurate diagnosis can involve extensive investigative procedures.
What are cervical neck lesions?
Cervical neck lesions result from a progressive destruction of the enamel resulting in slowly deepening "holes" in affected teeth. Once the sensitive parts of the tooth are exposed, these lesions are intensely painful, and the only available treatment is to extract the tooth. The cause of this disease is unknown; however, poor oral hygiene is suspected to play a role in the disease-process.
What should I do if my cat has signs of dental problems?
If you see that your cat has evidence of tartar accumulation, gingivitis or is exhibiting any signs of mouth pain or discomfort, you should take it to your veterinarian for an examination. You will be advised of the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve having the cat's teeth examined and cleaned under short-acting general anesthesia.
The rate of tartar accumulation is very variable between individual cats, and in some cases this may necessitate professional cleaning on a regular basis (every 6-12 months).
Do not try to remove tartar from the teeth yourself using any form of metallic instrument. Aside from potentially harming your cat's mouth (or the cat harming you), you are likely to damage the tooth surface by creating microscopic scratches, which will encourage more rapid plaque formation and cause further disease.
What can I do to help prevent dental disease in my cat?
The prime aim to help prevent dental disease is to keep the mouth as hygienic as possible and to reduce the rate at which tartar builds up on the teeth.
Recent advances in nutrition have resulted in diets that reduce tartar accumulation. Your veterinarian can give you specific dietary recommendations that will benefit your pet's dental health.
The most effective way of reducing plaque and tartar is to brush the teeth. A number of toothpastes and brushes are available from your veterinarian that are specially designed for a cat's mouth. With gentleness, patience and perseverance it is possible to regularly clean some cats' teeth in this way. In addition, or as an alternative to brushing if this cannot be achieved, a range of antibacterial mouthwashes and gels can be applied to the teeth and mouth to reduce the number of bacteria present. Please ask your veterinarian for further details regarding available dental products for your cat.
Never use human toothpaste on cats, as these are not designed to be regularly swallowed and could cause problems.
This client information sheet is based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM. Copyright 2002 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license, June 8, 2006.
Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
As easy as 1-2-3!
Let's be honest. Brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis can seem like a hassle, but the benefits are well worth it! You can prevent serious dental problems, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss with regular brushing. Dental problems extend much farther than the mouth. If left untreated, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and the brain, causing infections and seriously compromising your pet's health.
Here are three easy steps to follow for brushing your pet's teeth.
Start easy and gently. Wrap gauze around your finger. Dip it in something such as chicken broth or warm water. Gently rub your finger along the outside of the teeth. Continue to rub the outside surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. It is not necessary to do this on the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth. Be sure to reward your pet's good behavior with positive reinforcement (petting, praise, small treat, etc).
Once your pet is comfortable with the first step change from chicken broth to a cat/dog toothpaste, such as C.E.T. Continue using the gauze, but slowly increase the amount of time. Calculus generally builds up heaviest toward the back of the mouth on the molars, try to concentrate on this area. Move to the final step when your pet is comfortable with this level and movement.
The final step is the change from the gauze to a toothbrush or finger brush. Brushing for a full 3 minutes is not required. Any brushing you do will help prevent further plaque and tartar build up. Again, it is not necessary to brush the lingual side of the teeth, pay close attention to the molars, and remember the positive reinforcement.
Following these simple instructions will make brushing your pet's teeth a much more pleasant experience for both you and your pet. Your pet will also reap the rewards of better dental health!
Dental Hygiene
First the good news...
Unlike humans, cats & dogs seldom develop cavities. However, the dog and cat are not without major dental problems! In fact, the most common dental problem that we find in pets is considered far worse than cavities! It is called "PERIODONTAL DISEASE." This disease affects the gums around the teeth instead of the teeth themselves.
About 75% of all dental problems serious enough to be seen by a veterinarian are the result of periodontal disease. It is the cause of 95% of all cases of "bad breath." In advanced cases, it results in infected, foul-smelling, loose teeth with a massive accumulation of tartar. Often there is a loss of appetite due to painful gums. Signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability may also be some results of this disease.
Food material, bacteria, and saliva accumulate and adhere to the tooth surface, forming a soft "plaque." This material can be easily removed. However, if plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth it becomes hard and "chalk-like", which is called tartar. The tartar buildup causes erosion of the gums, with subsequent inflammation and infection of the tooth socket. The teeth then become loose, and may even fall out. The gums become reddened, swollen, and bleed easily. Your pet will often salivate excessively from the associated pain.
The buildup of this material allows bacteria to constantly grow in the infected mouth tissue. These bacteria enter the bloodstream through the bleeding gums and can cause problems such as heart valve infections, liver infections, and kidney infections.
Dental disease can be very painful for your pet, and bad mouth odor is unpleasant to you.
Rapid buildup of tartar is PRIMARILY due to the ACIDITY of the saliva--not what your pet eats! The more acidic the saliva is the quicker the buildup of plaque.
Follow these tips for good oral hygiene:
Feed at least some hard food, which will provide a cleaning action. Prescription Diet t/d is available for both dogs and cats and can be used as a treat every day.
Have teeth examined at least once every year for tartar buildup. Pets vary considerably in the amount of tartar that accumulates.
Use a pet dentrifice on a regular basis. We will be happy to recommend what is best for your pet. CET Chews are available for both dogs and cats. Maxiguard is a tasteless gel that is accepted well by pets in general. Pet toothpaste is available. Human toothpaste should not be used since it can be toxic if swallowed by cats and dogs.
These recommendations will improve the health of your pet, and reduce the undesirable odor produced by the build up of tartar.
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