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| FOUR PAWS VETERINARY HOSPITAL 8401 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, TX * Phone: (512) 396-7297 * Fax: (512) 392-7297 |
| WHY VETERINARY DENTISTRY? The truth behind bad breath! |
| WHY VETERINARY DENTISTRY? 85% of all dogs over one year of age have some degree of periodontal disease, but only 3% get treated. Believe it or not, dogs are diagnosed with dental disease more than any other infection. Needless to say, nobody wants their pet suffering from a painful inflammatory condition in which bacteria attacks the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. So what's a good pet owner to do? Simple. Aside from regular brushing, have your pet's teeth examined by your veterinarian on a routine basis. Checkups and preventive care will do wonders for bad breath and may help prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing serious problems to your pet's vital organs. PREVENTION STARTS AT HOME Because a dog's mouth is its hands. As easy as it is for your pet to get a periodontal infection, it's just as easy for you to prevent it. The first step is brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis to reduce plaque buildup and gingivitis. You should use a special toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. Avoid using toothpaste for people because it can upset your pet's stomach. Giving your pet appropriate chew toys and feeding them hard or coarse-textured food can also help remove plaque. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, serious periodontal disease may be present. -Bad breath: One of the first signs of dental disease -A yellowish-brown crust of tartar on the teeth near the gum line -Red and/or swollen gums -Pain or bleeding when eating, or when the mouth or gums are touched. -Decreased appetite or difficulty eating. -Loose or missing teeth. STOP BACTERIA BEFORE IT STARTS Most periodontal infections begin simple enough. Plaque - which is composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, and food debris - builds up in the space between teeth and gums, causing irritation, redness, and swelling. Eventually, pockets form and deepen, allowing bacteria to damage the tissues that hold teeth in place. At this stage, bacteria from the oral infection have a clear path to the animal's bloodstream and vital organs. The organs with the highest blood flow are most susceptible to infection: lungs, heart, kidney, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of dogs and cats. PULLING TEETH VS. SAVING TEETH Like people, animals need professional teeth cleaning on a routine basis (every six to eighteen months). Since even a simple dental procedure can cause some bleeding of the gums, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic prior to cleaning to reduce and prevent the spread of infection to other organs. Regular dental checkups are important to maintaining not only your pet's oral health, but overall health as well. In fact, because animals age more quickly than humans, dental exams should become more frequent - perhaps every six months - as your pet ages. Think of it as a necessary part of your pet's preventive care plan. Talk to Dr. Forster or Dr. Bowman about professional dental care and what you can do to keep your pet's teeth and body healthy. |