Pet Periodontal Disease

Dental health is one of the most forgotten aspects of pet care. While many owners are good at de-worming their pets and getting the necessary vaccines, few remember to take care of their pet's dental care. Without proper dental hygiene, pets can develop cardiovascular issues, lung problems and kidney disease. Currently, the American Animal Hospital Association estimates that 66 percent of pet owners do not take care of their pet's dental care.

What Does My Pet Need?

There are two goals for dental care. Pets should have regular dental cleanings and oral examinations starting when they are just puppies or kittens. The veterinarian will check their teeth as they age for problems like tumors, plaque, periodontal disease and tartar. If the pet

When it first begins, periodontal disease is just a layer of bacteria or plaque on the teeth. This bacteria attaches to the teeth. Once the bacteria begin to die, the saliva in the pet's mouth causes them to calcify. This causes a rough surface to form called tartar that allows more plaque to develop. If plaque is allowed to spread, it can lead to gingivitis. At this stage, the gums become inflamed and bleed easily. When periodontal disease is left untreated, an infection can begin around the tooth's root. In the final stages, the tooth is destroyed, and the pain becomes overwhelming for the

To make sure that this is safe for the handlers and the pet, anesthesia and intubation are used. These cleanings should be once a year for small dogs and cats. For large dogs, dental cleanings should take place every two years. While the pet is under anesthesia their vital signs will be continuously monitored.

Other Procedures

From time to time, the veterinarian may take a dental radiograph of the pet's teeth. These x-rays are designed to find abnormalities that cannot be scene with the naked eye. If a tooth needs to be removed, the veterinarian will use an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

When plaque is discovered, the veterinarian may use fluoride, sealants, scaling or polishing to remove the plaque. Polishing uses a paste that removes scratches in the enamel. Meanwhile, fluoride and sealants are used to prevent further tooth decay. All of the dental tools and care used with pets are quite similar to the dental care offered to humans.

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