DENTISTRY

 CANINE DENTISTRY

 Photo by Brad Sharp - SharpFotos.com

Q.  I was totally unaware that dogs have dental problems. Is it common?
 

A.  Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet’s family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition.

Q.  Are dental problems the same in pets and people?

A.  No. In man the most common problem is tooth decay which, due to the loss of calcium from the enamel, results in painful infected cavities. In the dog decay represents less than 10% of dental problems, the majority of which are caused by periodontal disease.

Q.  What is periodontal disease?

A.  This is simply inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar (calculus) on the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede. Untreated infection then spreads into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost. 

A dental vaccine has been developed which aids in the prevention of canine periodontitis and future tooth loss. This vaccine will need to be given 3 weeks after the initial dose, then annually. Please notify the veterinarian if you would like your dog to receive this vaccine.

Q.  What is tartar and can it be prevented?

The mouth of all mammals is home to thousands of bacteria. Many of these bacteria will breed on the surfaces of the tooth and form an invisible layer called plaque or biofilm. Some of this is removed naturally by the dog’s tongue and chewing habits but if allowed to remain the plaque thickens, becomes mineralized and is then visible as tartar (calculus). The tartar presses on the gums, which recede, and the bacteria then result in gum inflammation and infection (gingivitis). The gums continue to recede until ultimately the socket is infected and the tooth is lost.

As the oral infection increases tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also occur. In addition, the bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections (endocardiosis or endocarditis), kidney and liver problems are frequently due to bad teeth.
Can tartar be prevented?

Plaque is mineralized in some dogs much quicker than others. Special canine toys as well as feeding the newer dental diets help reduce tartar build up, as does regular home care – tooth brushing. Today there are many products designed to reduce tartar in our dogs.  

Q.  Will feeding dry food remove tartar?

Once tartar has formed it will be necessary to remove it with a professional scaling and polishing under anesthesia. There are exciting new dental diets that can help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar in your pet.  (For more information about tarter - read the next article)

Q.  What is involved with a dental cleaning for my dog?

The goal of dental scaling and polishing is to remove the tartar and invisible plaque. We will perform pre-anesthesia blood tests to ensure that kidney and liver function are satisfactory. Sometimes antibiotic treatment is instituted before full dental prophylaxis is carried out. We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Tooth scaling will be performed both by hand and using ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up. It may be necessary to carry out other procedures at the same time such as extractions.

Q.  Do I have to make an appointment for my dog to have a scale and polish?

A.  Yes. We will perform pre-anesthesia blood tests and examine your pet for any other underlying disorders.

Q.  How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?

A.  Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet’s dental cleaning. We recommend beginning a home dental care program for all pets, which includes daily brushing, oral rinses, and chew treats that promote dental health. All of these products can be purchased at the clinic.

Q.  Can I use human toothpaste?

A.  Do not use human dentifrice or toothpaste on any account. These are foaming products and are not meant to be swallowed. Additionally, many types of human toothpaste contain sodium, which may cause problems in some pets.

Q.  How does tartar form, and what does it do?

A.  Plaque is a gummy substance that forms on the teeth within a few hours after a meal. Within 24 hours, plaque hardens into tartar.

Tartar is harmful in two ways. First, it serves as a place where bacteria can reside and multiply in the mouth. There is substantial scientific evidence that bacteria from tartar are absorbed into the blood stream and deposited in various organs. Heart and kidney disease often result. Second, tartar builds up along the gum line. As the tartar enlarges, it pushes the gums away from the roots of the teeth. Eventually, the teeth will loosen and fall out. 

Q.  How can I prevent tartar formation on my dog's teeth? 

 A.   After your dog's teeth have been cleaned, we recommend beginning home dental care to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. 

A dental vaccine is available to help control gum disease and build immunity to disease causing bacteria in the mouth.  This vaccine will need to be given 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccination.   

Brushing your pet's teeth is another effective means of removing plaque before it turns into tartar. We recommend using toothpaste made especially for dogs. Brushing should be done at least twice weekly (preferably daily), but we understand that not all dogs will tolerate it. Special brushes are made that make this task easier for you and your pet. An oral hygiene kit is available at the clinic.

Use an oral rinse. This type of product helps reduce the bacterial count in the mouth, resulting in improved breath.  Available at the clinic. 

Feed your dog a veterinary-approved dental diet. These diets have been shown to greatly reduce plaque formation and tartar buildup. These diets contain unique additives and specially designed kibbles that interfere with plaque development. By limiting plaque as it forms, tartar development is greatly diminished.  Available at the clinic.

Cleaning the teeth in 12- 24 months or at the first sign of tartar buildup is very beneficial to most dogs. This will prevent damage to the gums and roots.