Dental disease is by far the most common major health problem in cats and dogs. Dental disease impacts the entire body, with serious consequences for health, longetivity, and well-being.

Symptoms of dental disease may be vague and develop slowly, making them hard to notice. Many animals with dental disease, despite having a serious medical condition, will not show overt symptoms. However, many other animals will suffer with symptoms such as the following:

.Bad breath

.Lethargy, inactivity, or depression

.Poor grooming or malodorous hair coat

.Tongue lolling

.Salivating

.Decreased appetite, especially hard and crunchy foods

.Weight loss

.Discharge from nose or eyes

.Swelling on the face

If periodontal disease is left untreated it can lead to major complications such as pain, lethargy, emaciation and deterioration of body condition, kidney diease, liver problems, tooth loss, sinus infections, sepsis (infection of the blood stream) autoimmune disease, diabetes mellitus, and heart failure.

The above pictures are of a case of severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by an accumulation of tartar (calculus) on the teeth which 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.

It is estimated that over 68% of dogs over three years old suffer from some degree of periodontitis, making it the far most common canine disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. Veterinarians can uncover this hidden and often painful condition.

The mouth of all mammals is home to thousands of bacteria. Many of these bacteria will breed on 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 then is 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 the tooth is lost.

As the oral infection increases tonsillitis and pahryngitis 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.

Plaque is mineralized in some dogs quicker than others. Special Canine toys as well as feeding the newer dental diets help reduce tartar build up as does regular home care and tooth brushing.

Once tartar has formed it will be necessary to remove it with a professional scaling and polishing under anesthesia.

The goal of dental scaling and polishing is to remove the tartar and invisible plaque. We will perform pre-anesthetic blood tests to ensure  that kidney and liver functions 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 and special applications such as fluoride may be indicated to decrease tooth sensitivity and strengthen enamel.

These procedures will be fully discussed  both before your pet's dental cleaning appointment and when you bring your pet in for the procedure.

Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet's dental cleaning. We highly recommend beginning a home dental care program for all pets.

Do not use human toothpaste  on any account to brush your pet's teeth.Most human toothpastes contain sodium, which can cause problems in pets.

If you see any signs or dental disease in your pet, the best thing to do is call and make an appointment with your veterinarian. Remember that pre-anesthetic bloodwork should be performed to ensure your animals ability to withstand the anesthesia and to show any underlying health problems.

If you have called and set up a dental cleaning appointment the forms are available on the next page (dental consent forms) to download. You can fill them out prior to the day of the procedure. This should save you time.