February is Pet Dental Health Month
Did you know 85% of cats and dogs over two years old suffer from a form of Periodontal Disease? Did you also know that only one in 10 pet parents will take the time to care for their pets' dental health? Learn the importance of pet oral care and how you can prevent Periodontal Disease in your pet.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is the effect of oral care neglect. When your pet's teeth aren't cared for, damage can occur and cause substantial health problems.
It all starts with food...
Without properly cleaning your pet's teeth, food and bacteria will collect along the gum line. This creates plaque. Plaque combined with saliva creates tartar. Over time the tartar will build up and if it's not removed it will begin to affect the gums. The gums become red, inflamed and sensitive, which is called gingivitis - the early stages of Periodontal Disease.
If the gingivitis is not treated, the condition of the gums will worsen. They will begin to recede and separate from the tooth creating 'pockets' where more food and bacteria will sit. This stage is known as Periodontal Disease and damage is irreversible. Without veterinary treatment, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and attack the kidneys, liver and heart.
Factors of Periodontal Disease
There are many factors that contribute to Periodontal Disease. The most common factor is lack of oral care. Dental health care is often missed in pet parenting and therefore without daily brushing your pet is prone to the disease.
Some other factors are:
- Age: - as it's commonly found in older dogs;
- Diet: - dry kibble and chew toys aid in the removal of plaque, whereas as soft food contributes to plaque and tartar build-up, and
-Breed: - smaller dogs with smaller mouths tend to have poor teeth alignment hindering the ability to clean the teeth properly
Common signs that your pup may be suffering from Periodontal Disease.
| -drooling | -bad breath | -pawing at the mouth |
| -bleeding gums | -loose teeth | -loss of appetite |
| -pus around the tooth | -bone loss | -difficulty eating/chewing |
| -infection | -irritability or depression | |
If a pup is showing any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How is a diagnosis determined?
A veterinarian will assess your pet's teeth and the condition of their gums. In the assessment, the veterinarian will look at the amount of plaque built up on the teeth, the redness of the gums, whether or not the gums have separated from the tooth, and if so, how deep the 'pockets' have become. (2mm-3mm is normal). This assessment will determine the severity of your pet's dental health, from a mild to severe case of gingivitis, which is reversible with proper oral care, or transition to a mild to severe case of Periodontal Disease. This stage is irreversible and will require a lifetime of diligent oral care.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment required is dependent on the severity of the pet's dental disease.
All treatments require pets to be anesthetized, as this is the most effective way to allow for a thorough cleaning of a pet's mouth. Therefore, all pets are prepped for their treatment with antibiotics and a pre-surgical exam (including blood work) to ensure the pet is healthy.
The veterinarian will remove the plaque along and below the gum line, polish the teeth and apply fluoride. In the case of Periodontal Disease, a vet may have to perform a Root Planing (smoothing the root surface), Periodontal Surgery (getting deep into the root by cutting into the gum) or if the tooth is unsalvageable, an extraction may be required. These are just some of the procedures that may be required. Your veterinarian will advise of the best course of treatment.
Post-Treatment Care
A daily dental maintenance plan is required following your pet's treatment procedure.
Pets with gingivitis will require daily oral care with an appropriate tooth brush and toothpaste to help remove plaque. Also, specifically formulated pet food for oral care, along with chew toys will help to break down the plaque.
With severe cases of Periodontal Disease, your pet may require more involved forms of therapy after treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics and if surgery was required, soft food for a few days post treatment are some examples. Brushing your pet's teeth with the finger only using light pressure, along with regular check-ups within the first three months post-treatment is also recommended.
Healthy Teeth: A brushing a day, keeps the vet away!
Brushing your pet's teeth is the first step to a healthy dental regime. It's recommended to start as early as 8 weeks old, using a finger or a finger-brush to help them get used to the feeling. Flavoured toothpastes are also available to make it more enjoyable for your pet.
As they grow, it's important to use the appropriate size brush. Brushing daily is key as tartar build-up begins 6-8 hours after eating.
For dogs, chew toys are recommended to help remove minor plaque build-up, though it's important to use chew toys that aren't too hard or too soft. A good gauge is if a dent can be made in the chew toy with a fingernail. That will help determine if the chew toy is too hard to break your dog's teeth or too soft to swallow.
Annual dental exams and vet cleaning are advised as this will help optimize your pet's dental health!
For more information about dental health and Petsecure pet insurance's dental coverage, visit: www.petsecure.com