Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth forms a sticky substance called plaque, which adheres to the surface of the teeth. Minerals in the saliva harden the plaque to form tartar which attaches firmly to the teeth. The biggest problem is the tartar we can’t see, that has spread under the gum line, secreting toxins and causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease is not limited to the teeth –it also includes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (loss of bone and soft tissue around the teeth). Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body; studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with changes in the heart, liver and kidneys. Bacteria can extend into the tooth roots, causing a build-up of pus, known as a tooth root abscess. These are incredibly painful, and will likely present as an acute swelling on the face over the site of the infected tooth. Inflammation of the gums can cause tissue damage and exposure of the tooth roots. Teeth can loosen and even fall out. Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats. By the age of three years, most dogs and cats have some evidence of dental disease.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- halitosis (bad breath)
- drooling
- visible tartar on the teeth
- redness and inflammation of the gums
- bleeding from the mouth
- difficulty chewing, reluctance to eat, or favouring one side of the mouth
- pawing at the mouth
- head shaking
Generally pets are stoic and will hide pain and discomfort. Eating is a survival mechanism just because your pet is eating does not mean they are not experiencing pain due to dental disease.
How do we treat periodontal disease?
While prevention is better than treating dental disease, sometimes no matter how much dental care you provide your pets they still end up with diseased teeth. Unfortunately we can’t ask our patients to sit still and open their mouth, so veterinary dental procedures always require a general anaesthetic to allow thorough examination and treatment. Tartar is removed with a dental scaler, and the teeth are polished to leave them with a smooth surface – this helps slow down tartar build up in the future. Sometimes teeth need to be extracted due to severe disease- we will never extract a healthy tooth. Understandably the thought of extractions can be daunting however your pet is much better off without a diseased and painful tooth in their mouth as it will be neither functional nor comfortable.
What can we do to prevent periodontal disease?
Once your pet’s teeth have been scaled and polished, keeping them clean and healthy is very important to avoid or at least delay further dental procedures. There are many preventative measures that can help maintain your pet’s dental health at home.
Brushing teeth
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way of maintaining good dental hygiene. There are toothbrushes available that are specifically designed for cat and dog mouths, alternatively a soft baby toothbrush can be used. Human toothpaste is never to be used for pets; as they are unable to spit it out, it can cause illness. There are pet toothpastes available (in tasty flavours like chicken or beef), or you can use the brush alone.
Dental Chews
Dental chews (such as Oravet, Bell & Bone and Greenies chews) and raw meaty bones (such as chicken necks) can be given to your pet to chew on. The mechanical action of chewing cleans the teeth and slows down tartar build-up. Never give cooked bones under any circumstances. Choose bones and chews that are appropriate for your pet’s size; if you are unsure please ask our staff.
Dental Diets
There are specific dental diets available which are bigger pieces of dry kibble that force your pet to chew and work their teeth, rather than simply swallowing their food without chewing. Foods such as Hills T/D or Royal Canin Dental are fully balanced diets, and can be fed in place of your pet’s normal kibble. Both these diets have a money back guarantee so you can feel safe in purchasing them if your pet does not eat them.
Feeding wet foods (such as tins or pouches) may increase your pet’s risk of dental disease. Soft food does not require the same amount of chewing as hard foods, resulting in plaque build-up which, over time, calcifies and turns into tartar, causing gingivitis and further dental disease.
Food Additives
Food additives such as Plaque Off powder can be added to your pet’s existing diet. This product contains a natural seaweed compound that works to soften existing tartar and prevent formation of tartar. Antibacterial gels (such as Maxiguard Gel) can be applied directly to the teeth which prevents plaque and tartar formation.
If you would like advice on working out what treatment or preventatives would best suit you and your pet, please call the clinic and speak to one of our friendly nurses.