Each
year, February is "National
Pet Dental Health Month." During this month many of
the veterinary medical associations and the
veterinary related associations dedicate themselves to
help educate pet owners about the importance of dental
care of their pet. Dental care is
one of the last things pet owners think that there is a
concern about. In this issue, we want to devote our time to
help you understand what we mean by dental care and
to explain fully the importance of it.
Canine and feline teeth have many different
functions with only one goal, to break up food to be digested
by the stomach. Each kind of tooth plays a different part in
this breakdown. The incisors (the teeth at the front of the mouth)
grab and tear food, while premolars and molars (the teeth
located at the back of the mouth) grind up the food.
A build-up of plaque and tartar is the culprit
behind periodontal disease. Plaque is made up of bacteria,
salivary proteins, and also food debris. Plaque and tartar
will build up on and in between teeth and if not cleaned
off or removed, it can cause serious problems. Over time it will
form pockets between the gums and teeth, which can cause
the gums to become irritated, red, swollen, and even
painful. If the problem goes untreated for too long,
your pet
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could even lose some of its teeth.
Many pet owners may assume that dental disease
only affects the pet's mouth; however, the seriousness
of the disease can extend from the mouth to other parts
of the body. The most susceptible organs are the
organs that have the most blood flow such as lungs,
heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Bacteria in the
lungs can cause respiratory
infections. Periodontal disease can also cause quite
a variety
of liver disorders. The heart can become inflamed
or damaged. The kidneys may be affected and cause
kidney infection and other damage. Occasionally,
the brain is affected when the bacteria cross the
blood brain barrier.
Understanding the disease is only part of
the battle. It is up to you, the pet owners, to
observe your pets' teeth. The following is a list of
warning signs of periodontal disease:
bad breath is the number one
sign of dental disease tartar
(yellowish brown crust) on the teeth near the gum
line red, swollen, or irritated
gums pain or bleeding when your pet
eats or the gums are touched difficulty
eating or decreased appetite loose
or missing teeth
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If your pet shows any of these signs, you
should see a vet right away. According to the American
Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), oral disease is the
most common health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. Another
interesting fact from AVDS is that without proper dental care
80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease
by age three.
It is not a hopeless battle to keep your pet
from getting dental disease. There are steps
you can take to prevent this disease.
dental exam and dental cleaning:
If you suspect a problem, bring your pet to a
veterinarian; don't wait for an annual exam. home dental care routine: make a routine
brushing schedule for your pet. There are special
tooth brushes and tooth paste made especially for pets.
Avoid human tooth paste; it can upset your
pets' stomachs. regular check ups by
your vet: routin annual check-ups are a way for
us to monitor the overall health of your
pet.
Now on the lighter side,
here are a couple of fun facts about canine and feline teeth.
Did you know that dogs have 28
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