Without routine care, most dogs and cats develop periodontal (dental) disease by 3 years of age. It is the most common disease seen in dogs and cats and there are many ways you can benefit your pet’s oral and overall health. Knowing the signs and taking a proactive approach is the right direction to “Keeping our Furry Friends Kissable.”

Our job as your primary care giver is to help educate you on signs to look for and preventive care. According to the care guides found in our Pet Portals under Dental Care, 2001-2011 Vetsreet, the following are most common signs of dental problems and what happens when the disease progresses.


Signs of Dental Problems:

  • Bad breath

  • Sensitivity around the mouth

  • Loss of appetite

  • Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth

  • Bleeding, inflamed, and withdrawn gums

  • Loose or missing teeth

  • Pawing at the mouth or face

  • Difficulty chewing

Bad breath may be a sign of periodontal disease that could lead to other health problems. Periodontal disease starts when plaque (a bacterial film) coats the tooth. Plaque hardens (calcifies) into tartar, a thick yellow or brown layer on the teeth. Tartar can irritate the gums, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.

As the disease progresses, the gums become tender, red, and swollen and the bacteria continue to multiply. Eventually, the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap more bacteria and food particles. The gums bleed, the roots of the teeth may become exposed, teeth may become loose, and your pet may feel pain when eating. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can create problems for organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.


Stages of Periodontal Disease:

Stage 0: No attachment loss, typical plaque and calculus accumulation

Stage 1: No attachment loss, gingivitis, plaque, and calculus accumulation

Stage 2: Minimal (<25%) attachment loss-Periodontal pockets 3 to 5 mm, gingivitis, plaque, and calculus accumulation

Stage 3: Moderate (25% to 50%) attachment loss- Periodontal pockets 5 to 7mm, gingivitis, plaque, and calculus accumulation

Stage 4: Severe (>50%) attachment loss- Periodontal pockets > 7 mm, gingivitis, plaque, and calculus accumulation


What is included in my pet’s Professional Dental Cleaning?

We want our furry friends to have the best standard of care possible. Our Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment plans include:

  • Pre-surgical examination and consultation
  • Pre-anesthetic sedative / anti-anxiety
  • Ultrasonic Scaling & Polishing using our new high-quality dental machine
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Antibiotic injection
  • IV catheter and fluids to keep them better hydrated, help maintain their blood pressure, help flush out the anesthesia, and allow us immediate access to administer life-saving medications
  • Post pain management injection to help with the recovery period
  • A veterinary assistant to monitor & record vitals during anesthesia
  • Complimentary nail trim
  • Complimentary ear exam

In addition to the above we highly recommend all our surgery patients receive:

  • Pre-anesthetic bloodwork using our in-house laboratory machines to allow us to see how some of their vital organs are working prior to anesthesia
  • Full mouth dental x-rays to better diagnose & treat the periodontal disease

Before Professional Dental Deep Cleaning

After Professional Dental Deep Cleaning

1.

Bad breath, moderate gingivitis/tarter, gum recession, discharge from draining tract in gingiva overlying the upper left canine tooth

Extractions: 2 teeth

Patient: 9 years old

2.

Bad breath, severe gingivitis, gum recession, moderate tartar, moderate stomatitis

Extractions: 7 teeth

Patient: 5 years old

3.

Mild gingivitis, moderate tartar, bad breath

Extractions: 1 tooth

Patient: 3 years old

4. #1 #2

#1: X-Ray shows a broken root, not visible by physical examination

#2: Severe Periodontal disease, X-Ray shows infection & extreme bone loss, which can lead to tooth root abscess


“Keeping our Furry Friends Kissable” is important to us! We offer preventative care for after the procedure as well.

We recommend your dog having a yearly check-up to help you identify any signs of periodontal disease that may be forming. Call us today to discuss your furry family’s dental exam and what preventative steps you can take now at 661-949-9389.