Healthy Teeth, Healthy Pet
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Pets.

How many times have you heard the expression "dog breath?" It's true, pets aren't usually known for their sparkling fresh breath, but what you may not know is that bad breath can be an important indicator for a more serious problem - the gum disease Gingivitis.

Pets without proper dental hygiene can, in addition to gingivitis, develop cavities, gum and lip ulcerations, receding gums, root exposure, and plaque build-up. These painful conditions, in turn, may lead to bacterial toxin absorption into the blood stream. By gaining access through diseased teeth and gums, bacteria invade the heart, kidneys, and joints - a high price to pay for poor dental care.

A healthy dog's or cat's mouth begins with regular dental check-ups. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough dental evaluation in addition to your pet's annual physical exam. Keeping a watchful eye of your pet's dental condition throughout your pet's life will help prevent minor dental problems from become major health issues. Your veterinarian can also demonstrate the proper procedure for brushing your pet's teeth. Regular brushings at home are essential to keeping gums healthy and teeth plaque-free. A variety of dental products are available from species-specific brushes to tasty toothpastes. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate dental care items for your pet's needs.

Just as you need regular cleanings and polishings at your dentist's office, cats and dogs often require dental procedures. Inflamed gums, cavities, and tarter build-up can all be treated during a scheduled veterinary dental visit. The cat or dog, having fasted the night before, undergoes a mild anesthesia. Once the cat or dog is sedated, the teeth are scaled to remove plaque and polished lightly. When necessary, decayed teeth are extracted. Throughout the process, the animal receives a mixture of oxygen and anesthetic gas through a endotracheal tube. This allows the procedure to be pain-free, and the level of anesthesia is both safe and easy to regulate.

After the cleaning is complete, the animal begins to awaken, and the endotracheal tube is removed. The cat or dog is given an antibiotic injection, and allowed to rest until fully awake. The pet will be released to go home in the afternoon. Depending on the degree of periodontal disease, your pet may go home with oral antibiotics. The antibiotics treat the bacteria loosened by the cleaning process and insure continued good health following the dental procedure.

For many pets, especially those with routine dental home care, a dental cleaning and polishing is a rare and simple occurrence. Other pets often require regular cleanings. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best plan for your pet. By giving special attention to your pet's dental hygiene needs, you gain healthy teeth and gums plus a long life for your cat or dog - not to mention fresher breath!