What factors contribute to dental disease in pets?

Andrea Goates
Studies show that 70 to 80% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of dental disease by 3 years of age!

Why?
· Lack of routine dental care at home
· Poorly positioned teeth due to crowding, rotated teeth, or retained baby (deciduous) teeth.
· Malocclusion (over or underbite) in which the teeth do not meet properly for chewing.
· Genetics: some breeds of dogs and cats (and some individual animals) are more prone to dental problems than others.

Dental disease starts with plaque, a colorless film, composed mostly of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth and gums. As it mixes with food particles and minerals in the saliva, it becomes a brownish paste called tartar. Over time, it hardens into a cement-like material called calculus.

STAGE ONE The gums are swollen, red and sore (gingivitis). There may be a bright red line along the edge of the gums and the beginnings of bad breath. Note the inflammation (redness) along the gum line. This stage is reversible with early intervention and professional care. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease. Calculus advances under the gum line, breaking the attachments between the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Bacteria invade the damaged tissues, causing inflammation and further damage to the teeth and gums.

STAGE TWO includes edema, which is noticeable swelling and bleeding of the gums upon probing. The tartar is thickened and the tooth becomes discolored. You may notice the tooth looks yellow, brown, grey, green, or black.

STAGE THREE includes inflammation, edema, pus, loss of bone around the teeth. When the infection spreads to the tooth roots and jaw, abscesses form and teeth are lost. At this point your pet may have difficulty eating due to pain. You may see bleeding when your pet chews. At this stage you will notice a severe foul odor to your pet's breath.

STAGE FOUR includes exposure of roots due to gum recession and bone loss.
Once severe periodontal disease has developed, much of the damage is irreversible. We can only do our best to improve the situation as much as possible with professional periodontal treatment followed by faithful home care.
As if this is not enough, the danger of dental disease is not confined to the mouth. The chronic infection in the mouth allows harmful bacteria to be absorbed into the blood stream. The kidneys and liver, which cleanse the blood, are damaged by constant exposure to bacteria and their toxic by-products. The lungs and heart are also at risk of damage due to long-term systemic infection. It has been shown that consistent dental cleanings and home care can add 2-3 years to your pet’s life.

Please call the Family Pet Hospital at 489-MEOW (6369) to set up an appointment for a complimentary dental evaluation with a nurse.