Did you know: Periodontal disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets
An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS).
Most people have their teeth cleaned primarily for cosmetic reasons and to prevent any problems from occurring. In pets, however, the treatment done to the teeth and gums during a professional “cleaning” is much more involved as most pets have much more advanced dental disease than humans. Pets do not brush their teeth twice daily like people, and therefore develop significant tartar build up and gum disease much faster and much more severely than people. The health risks, however, are the same for pets as for people.
It is important to understand that periodontal disease is an active, ongoing disease process in our pets that causes not only significant pain, inflammation, and damage to the teeth and gums, but also leads to damage of inner organs such as heart, kidneys, and liver. Once periodontal disease happens, it is irreversible and the pets needs professional treatment at regular intervals for life in order to control and minimize the risks and discomfort.
Studies have shown that the level of pain associated with dental disease is significant, even though the pet generally appears to be comfortable and has no problems chewing her food.
The best time to adress the teeth and gums is when they are relatively healthy and no irreversible changes have happened.
Identifying problems: How can I tell if my pet has gum disease?
If your pet will allow it, open its mouth and look inside. Look for the warning signs of gum disease – bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Seek veterinary care if you notice any of these problems.
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar. Bacterial plaque is the most important substrate in the development of periodontal disease. The inflammation and destruction that accompanies periodontal disease results from the direct action of bacteria and their by-products on periodontal tissues as well as the indirect activation of the host immune response.
Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup lead to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Tartar has a contributory role due to its roughened surface, which enhances bacterial attachment and further plaque development, and also irritates gingival tissues.
