Surgery / Dental Information : Dental Procedures

Dental care and information for your pet

 

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, longevity, 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.

 

 

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 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.