General
Information
Dental disease is the most common
ailment in pets, affecting 70% of dogs and 60% of cats over the age
of four. Dogs and cats are affected by a variety of different
dental disorders, but the most commonly diagnosed condition
is periodontal disease, or inflammation and infection of the
gums, bone, and support structures of the tooth. Dental
disease is generally more common in small breed dogs than in large
breeds.
When plaque and dental tartar build
up on the tooth, this infection causes gingivitis and periodontal
disease, which in turn can allow bacteria to enter the
bloodstream. When this happens, problems with major organs,
such as the heart, kidneys, and liver can develop. Therefore,
not only does this condition cause bad breath, tooth loss, and
pain, but it can also cause major health problems in your
pet. A recent study shows that pets with good dental health
live, on average, TWO YEARS LONGER than pets with
poor dental health.
Home Dental
Care
While dental disease occurs in most
pets, there are many ways to slow its progress and prevent major
health problems as a result. Here are some ways you can care
for your pet's teeth at home, and slow the progression of dental
disease:
- Brushing-
This is the best option and the most effective, if done
regularly. Only toothpastes made specifically for pets should
be used.
- Hill's t/d tartar
diet- We recommend using this specially formulated dog
food as a treat. Almost as effective as
brushing.
- Oral rinses-
These anti-bacterial rinses slow down the buildup of plaque if used
regularly.
- Over-the-counter
dental chews- Items such as Greenies and other dental
chews available in pet stores have varying degrees of
effectiveness. You should consult a veterinarian before using
these products.
- Dry dog
food- Simply feeding dry dog food instead of canned food
will help slow the buildup of dental tartar on your dog's
teeth.
Professional Dental
Care
No matter what steps are taken at
home to aid in good dental hygiene, regular professional cleaning
is necessary to maintain good dental health in dogs and cats, just
like in people. This professional cleaning is done as an
outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia, and
it involves:
- Thorough dental exam to check for
periodontal disease, broken teeth, loose teeth, and
abscesses.
- Complete dental scaling, above and
below the gumline, to remove tartar and plaque buildup.
- Extraction of any diseased or
painful teeth.
- Complete polishing of all enamel
surfaces.
- Flouride treatment
Give us a call if you have any
questions about your pet's dental care, if you'd like an estimate
for a dental cleaning, or if you would like to set an
appointment. When you call, ask us how you can get $30.00 OFF a professional dental
cleaning procedure.
