Last Week: HOW TO Manage Your Dog’s ACL Tear
We all know that brushing our teeth, flossing and visiting the dentist is important for healthy teeth and gums. Now we’re starting to hear that the same is true for our pets. But is it really true that our canine companions need to brush their teeth? In a word: Yes. Approximately 85 percent of pets have periodontal disease by the age of 3, reports MarVistaVet.com. We’ve heard a lot about periodontal disease but what, exactly, is it and why is it so important?
Basically, as with people, periodontal disease progresses and starts simply enough when food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line, where plaque begins forming. When combined with saliva and minerals it transforms into calculus, which causes gum irritation and leads to gingivitis, reports PetMD.com. Gingivitis produces red gums and is considered one of the early stages of periodontal disease.
As the calculus continues building up under the gums, it separates the gums and teeth, forming “pockets,” which encourages more bacterial growth, according to PetEducation.com. “At this point the damage is irreversible, and called ‘periodontal’ disease,” the site continues. “It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection.”
According to the DentalVet.com and PetEducation.com here are other factors that contribute to periodontal disease:
Age
Health
Breed, genetics and tooth alignment
Grooming habits
Home care
Mouth environment
Nutrition
Crowded teeth
With the first signs of redness or any trouble, pet parents need to make a trip to the veterinarian for a checkup. What do you look for? Any number of things can point to signs of periodontal disease, so it’s a good idea to get comfortable opening and inspecting your dog’s mouth, teeth and gums regularly to see if any of the following signs (per PetEducation.com) are visible:
Persistent bad breath
Pus around the teeth
Bleeding gums
Mouth sensitivity
Red or receding gums
Loose and/or missing teeth
Loss of appetite
Stomach or intestinal upset
Difficulty chewing or eating
Irritability or depression
How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?
Once you’ve taken your dog to the vet and she has the opportunity to inspect your dog’s mouth, she’ll need to conduct some tests to determine if the dog has periodontal disease and, if so, the severity (or grade).
Your veterinarian will likely probe your dog’s gums to see if there are more than two millimeters of distance between the gums and teeth and take radiographs, or X-rays, since up 60 percent of symptoms are hidden beneath the gum line, reports PetMD.com. “In the disease’s early stages, radiographic imaging will reveal loss of density and sharpness of the root socket (alveolar) margin,” the site continues. “In more advanced stages, it will reveal loss of bone support around the root of the affected tooth.”
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the disease’s grade, which is organized as Grade I (early gingivitis), Grade II (advanced gingivitis), Grade III (early periodontitis) or Grade IV (established periodontitis).
According to DentalVet.com and PetEducation.com, treating Grades I and II involves a professional cleaning, polishing and fluoride application. “The plaque and tartar build-up will be removed from the teeth, both above and below the gum line, with handheld and ultrasonic scalers,” PetEducation.com writes on its site. “The teeth are then polished to remove microscopic scratches that predispose the plaque formation and calculus build-up.”
When it comes to treating Grades III and IV, pet parents need to involve themselves in the care and treatment of their dogs. At these stages, damage can be treated but it is not reversible. According to PetEducation.com, veterinarians may prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and bacteria count.
When it comes to Grade IV, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery or an extraction to help treat the problem.
Your vet may also make recommendations concerning chew toys (what they’re made of and when to re-introduce them after any procedures), diet and, of course, beginning a brushing regimen.
When brushing your dog’s teeth, be sure to select products manufactured solely for dogs. Human products are not appropriate for the four-legged kind. “Notice the shape of the canine and feline brushes and how they conform to a pet’s mouth,” writes MarVistaVet.com. “You can use a human toothbrush but you will probably find it difficult to manipulate in the pet’s mouth. Never use a human toothpaste for a pet as these contain sudsing agents (people like to see foam when they brush their teeth), which are not meant to be swallowed in quantity. Animal toothpastes come in special flavors (chicken, seafood and malt) in addition to the more human-appreciated mint and all are expected to be swallowed.”
Ultimately, the best thing for a dog is to have healthy teeth and gums in the first place. They can’t do it themselves, though, so get pooches started on good oral health care as soon as possible. Regular oral maintenance, a healthy diet and proper veterinary care can keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pain-free and, of course, smelling fresher!
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
PHOTOS: DentalVet.com and PetEducation.com
Category : HOW TO
Comments