Dental disease is the single most common disease seen in our pet population, and it affects approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three. Not only can dental disease cause bad breath, but it can lead to dental infections, tooth root abscesses, and other painful mouth conditions. If left untreated, dental disease can also lead to infection of internal organs.
Symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Yellow or brown teeth
- Vomiting (due to failure to chew and subsequent decreased production of digestive enzymes)
- Poor coat (due to decreased grooming)
- Facial swelling along the jaw or under the eye (due to tooth root abscess)
- Decreased appetite
- Pawing or rubbing at the mouth
Diagnostics:
Diagnosis of dental disease is generally made during a thorough physical examination. However, dental X-rays are necessary to determine the extent of periodontal disease below the gumline.
Treatment:
Depending upon the severity, dental disease may be treated by a thorough dental cleaning, both above and below the gumline. More advanced cases will either require root planing (cleaning of the root and gum) or extraction of the affected tooth.
Prevention:
Dental disease is preventable! Regular home care, consisting of daily tooth brushing, enzymatic dental chews, antiseptic oral rinses, and dental diets, can significantly delay the onset of dental disease. When home care is combined with veterinary assessment, treatment. and cleaning, dental disease can be nearly 100% prevented.