Dental health is a very important part of your pets overall health. Dental problems can cause, or be caused by other health problems. Your pets teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs oral and dental disease.
What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?
This process begins with an oral exam by a veterinarian. Radio-graphs are recommended to evaluate the roots and health of the jaw bone. Because at least 60% of dental disease occurs below the gum line, anesthesia is required. Dental cleanings include ultra-sonic scaling to remove calculus, root planing, polishing, and a fluoride treatment. During this process, the health of the mouth and gum tissue is evaluated, as well. Much the same as your regular dental cleanings.
You should have your pets oral health evaluated at least yearly.
Have your pets teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pets behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pets mouth, because a painful animal may bite.
Causes of pet dental problems
Our companion animals experience many of the same dental problems we do, including:
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats -in fact, by the time most pets reach the age of 3, they will very likely already have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will progress to advanced disease if a proactive dental care regime is not in place. Early detection and treatment is critical, because advanced periodontal disease causes severe pain, infection, tooth loss, and bone loss. Periodontal disease doesn't just affect your pets mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.
It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays radio-graphs to determine the severity of the disease below the gum line. Your veterinarian will make recommendations based on the needs of your pet.
Anesthesia is required to perform a proper dental evaluation and cleaning. Dental radio-graphs are always recommended to understand the total health of the teeth. Remember, the part of the tooth that is visible is only a fraction of the actual tooth. 60% or so of dental issues stem from issues below the gum line.
Dental procedures are done as a same day procedure, and the pet gets to go home late in the evening and usually are back to their normal routine the next day. Many owners notice a more playful and energetic pet a few days after the procedure, not realizing what a difference oral care can make.
Daily brushing is the gold standard in oral care, but we know that for many even 2-3 times a week is not possible. That is why an evaluation from your veterinarian at least yearly, and the use of VOHC(Veterinary Oral Health Council)-approved dental products are the best thing for many.
Speak with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or diets you're considering for your pet, and see if they what they recommend. ~ via AVMA
What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?
This process begins with an oral exam by a veterinarian. Radio-graphs are recommended to evaluate the roots and health of the jaw bone. Because at least 60% of dental disease occurs below the gum line, anesthesia is required. Dental cleanings include ultra-sonic scaling to remove calculus, root planing, polishing, and a fluoride treatment. During this process, the health of the mouth and gum tissue is evaluated, as well. Much the same as your regular dental cleanings.
You should have your pets oral health evaluated at least yearly.
Have your pets teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:
- bad breath
- broken or loose teeth
- extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- pain in or around the mouth
- bleeding from the mouth
- swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
- teeth chattering
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pets behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pets mouth, because a painful animal may bite.
Causes of pet dental problems
Our companion animals experience many of the same dental problems we do, including:
- broken teeth and roots
- periodontal disease
- abscesses or infected teeth
- cysts or tumors in the mouth
- malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth
- broken (fractured} jaw
- palatal defects (such as cleft palate)
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats -in fact, by the time most pets reach the age of 3, they will very likely already have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will progress to advanced disease if a proactive dental care regime is not in place. Early detection and treatment is critical, because advanced periodontal disease causes severe pain, infection, tooth loss, and bone loss. Periodontal disease doesn't just affect your pets mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.
It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays radio-graphs to determine the severity of the disease below the gum line. Your veterinarian will make recommendations based on the needs of your pet.
Anesthesia is required to perform a proper dental evaluation and cleaning. Dental radio-graphs are always recommended to understand the total health of the teeth. Remember, the part of the tooth that is visible is only a fraction of the actual tooth. 60% or so of dental issues stem from issues below the gum line.
Dental procedures are done as a same day procedure, and the pet gets to go home late in the evening and usually are back to their normal routine the next day. Many owners notice a more playful and energetic pet a few days after the procedure, not realizing what a difference oral care can make.
Daily brushing is the gold standard in oral care, but we know that for many even 2-3 times a week is not possible. That is why an evaluation from your veterinarian at least yearly, and the use of VOHC(Veterinary Oral Health Council)-approved dental products are the best thing for many.
Speak with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or diets you're considering for your pet, and see if they what they recommend. ~ via AVMA
