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Common Dental Problems in our Pets

Have you ever wondered if your pet’s mouth is happy and healthy? If so you’re definitely not alone – many owners are unsure of the condition of their pet’s mouth. The reality is that dental disease is a very common medical condition seen in our four-legged companions. Just as in human medicine, maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial in maintaining a healthy body. The team at Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital would be happy to answer any questions about your pet’s dental health.

What is Dental Disease?

There are numerous dental conditions that fall under the term of dental disease in our pets; one of the most common conditions is periodontal disease. This is different from tooth decay (cavities) more commonly seen in humans. To fully understand periodontal disease  in our Dogs & cats – an understanding of tooth anatomy is necessary. Below is a basic schematic of the anatomy of the tooth and its supporting structures.

dog dental disease

Periodontal disease in pets is inflammation of the structures surrounding the tooth and the inflammatory response is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film that builds up on the tooth and is composed of food particles, cells, and bacteria, which hardens to form tartar.  Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is the earliest sign of periodontal disease and ultimately, this inflammation (and sometimes infection) can spread and destroy the tooth root and surrounding bone. In extreme cases, the tooth will lose its supporting structures and fall out, which is a very painful condition for your pet to live with.

For the veterinarians at Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital to assess the severity of the periodontal disease, multiple diagnostic steps can be utilized. Diagnostics include a thorough oral exam, probing of each tooth, and x-rays of the teeth and jaw.

What are the symptoms of Dental Disease?

Many owners are unaware that their pet has dental disease because most pets will not show obvious signs. Common symptoms include:

  • A red rim of inflamed gum above/below the teeth (Gingivitis)
  • Plaque or tartar accumulation on teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Head shaking
  • Dropping their food while they are eating, because very few pets will actually stop eating with  dental disease

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please contact a Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital team member to book an oral exam.

What are the treatment options for Dental Disease?

Your veterinarian may recommend various treatment options to you and these recommendations are based on your pet’s individual assessment and tailored to their specific needs. Treatment options are based on the severity of the dental disease and common treatment options include:

  • Teeth brushing with a pet-only toothpaste
  • Dental diets proven to help your pet’s mouth stay healthy
  • Dental cleaning while under anesthetic including, scaling and polishing which is the same procedure that a dentist performs on their human patients, and possible tooth extractions of diseased teeth
  • Advanced procedures to prevent teeth from being extracted are also available. These procedures include tooth restoration(capping the tooth) and root canal therapy

How do I prevent Periodontal Disease in my pet?

Tooth brushing is extremely effective (and cheap!) at removing plaque on the tooth’s surface. As vets we encourage all pet owners to brush their pet’s teeth once a day. A pet only toothpaste must be used as human products contain ingredients harmful to dogs and cats. A soft bristle toothbrush of an appropriate size should be chosen for your pet. In conjunction with teeth brushing, dental diets and chews/biscuits can also help to reduce plaque. Prevention is key in controlling the development of periodontal disease. In general, the prevention techniques described above are more cost effective than dental cleanings…another incentive to start today!

By Dr Monica Nagy

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