February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

FEBRUARY SPECIAL

10% off all Canine and Feline Dentals during the month of February.

Oral Health

More than 85% of dogs and cats that are at least 4 years old have a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue. This condition is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the final stage in a process that begins with the development of plaque on your pet's teeth. Plaque is a substance that forms when bacteria multiply on the teeth and gums. Plaque mixes with saliva, hardens, and becomes the substances known as tartar and calculus. Bacteria, plaque, tartar, and calculus irritate the gums, which become tender, red, and swollen. This stage of dental disease is called gingivitis. Eventually inflamed gums separate from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap more bacteria. These pockets deepen and bacteria may attack the roots of the teeth and the bony tissue of the jaw, causing teeth to loosen, the gums to bleed, mouth odor, and pain when your pet eats. This is full-blown periodontal disease.

Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and may travel to major organs and begin infection there. Among organs that are most often affected are the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. Parts of the nervous system may be affected as well. Although these infections are usually treatable when caught at an early stage, they can cause serious damage to these organs and, if not caught in time, may cause death.

Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The keys to your pet's oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good care at home. Too few pets receive both and most don't receive either. You can change that today!

Step 1. Visit your veterinarian.
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, the doctor will examine your pet's teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing, and other dental care in the hospital, or your veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care.

Step 2. Professional dental care.
If your pet already has evidence of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order. Depending on your pet's age and physical condition, the doctor may request that blood analyses, radiography, or other diagnostic tests be performed to evaluate the heart, liver, and kidneys for coexisting disease before proceeding with general anesthesia.

Once your pet is under anesthesia, accumulated tartar and calculus is removed by ultrasonic and hand scaling. Teeth needing fillings or root canals can be repaired and teeth that are beyond repair can be extracted. Finally the teeth are polished to slow down formation of new plaque, tartar, and calculus. If there is evidence of major bone loss or another serious oral condition, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary dental specialist.

Step 3. Dental care at home.
For cats and dogs, regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended. Your veterinarian can show you the proper way to brush your pet's teeth.

Feeding your pet coarse-textured food may help prevent accumulation of plaque, tartar, and calculus. Ask your veterinarian to advise you as to the best diet for your pet.

Step 4. Return to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups every 6 to 18 months, or as recommended.

 American Veterinary Medical Association
 

Dog Dental Facts Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They have 42 permanent teeth that begin to emerge at about four months. Symptoms of gum disease in dogs include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums and persistent bad breath. Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.
Cat Dental Facts Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to erupt at about two to three weeks of age. They have 30 permanent teeth that erupt at about three to four months. Symptoms of periodontal disease in cats include yellow and brown tartar buildup along the gum line, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath. Resorptive lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28 percent of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL

10% off all Canine and Feline Dentals during the month of February.