There Are a Number of Signs That You Should Watch For

DENTAL DISEASE

Dental disease is one of the most common ailments seen by vets. Many dogs, and most cats, over the age of 3 years and fed exclusively on commercial foods will have dental disease. In dogs the most common form is periodontal disease. In cats it’s Periodontal disease, gingivitis (gum infection) and dental resorptive lesions. (A bit like caries but worse).

There are a number of signs that you should watch for

1)  Decreased interest in food, especially hard food.

2)  Dribbling and head shaking or pawing at the mouth

3)  Dropping food

4)  Bad breath

5)  Bloody saliva

6)  Smelly coat and skin (from stinky saliva)

The most common scenario in dental disease is the progression from plaque accumulation to Periodontal disease. As in humans, pets accumulate bacterial plaque on their teeth, which if not removed quickly, becomes mineralized to form tartar (that brown muck that sticks to their teeth like concrete). This tartar eventually leads to to gingivitis (gum inflammation). If untreated, gingivitis progresses to irreversible periodontal disease.

This means the bone and ligaments supporting the tooth are destroyed. Infection continues causing the formation of pus and a foul odour, tooth loss, abscesses or more severe problems such as fracture of the jaw.

As well as the rank smell, loss of teeth and general misery this creates, the infected teeth also contribute to other problems. These include general debility from a constant low level of bacterial toxins in the blood stream, kidney disease, heart valve disease and retro-bulbar (behind the eye) abscesses.

Early diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis can result in a full recovery. If allowed to progress to periodontal disease the changes are irreversible and often the only option is removal of the affected teeth. It’s not unusual to have to remove more than 10 teeth from small dogs commonly affected.

Prevention of or minimizing, the problem involves early education of your pet to eat a diet that encourages chewing, such as raw meaty bones at least three times a week. Other chewy toys such as “greenies” or “kongs” are helpful. Some dry food diets exist that are useful aids in prevention. Ask your vet about these.

Daily brushing with a special pet paste is also effective, but since most people have trouble doing their own teeth regularly, it’s a rare hero that manages to do it for their pets.

Till next time, take care.

Evan.