Dental disease is very common in young and older pets.  Cavities are the most common dental disease in humans, but this is not the case in pets.  Tartar buildup is the most common problem in dogs and cats.  The tartar can lead to irritation of the gums (gingivitis) which can then lead to exposure of the roots.  Severe periodontal disease can occur without good oral hygiene and regularly scheduled appointments at your veterinarian's hospital for teeth cleaning ("prophy").  February is National Pet Dental Health Month.  You may also visit the pet dental web site at www.petdental.com.

One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar buildup is the individual chemistry in the mouth of the pet.  Some pets need yearly cleanings (or even more often) while others need cleaning every few years.  Of course, at home dental care will also help prolong the time needed in between cleanings.  Such home care includes tooth brushing, C.E.T. Chews for dogs (rawhides with enzymes on them), C.E.T. Chews for cats (treats with microabrasive surfaces), gels or rinses, and/or T/D diet for Hill's.

Diet

We use to think diet played a major role in dental health.  However, research has shown that is not the case.  Diet only plays a minor role in the development of tartar accumulation.  It is true that dry food is not as sticky as wet food, thus it will not adhere to the teeth as much; however, eating dry food does not remove or thoroughly prevent tartar buildup.  Once tartar forms, a professional cleaning is necessary.

Cats

Cats can often have a certain problem with their teeth called "cervical  line lesions" or "resorbtive lesions".  This is a problem seen mainly in cats, with some breeds more susceptible than others (although any cat can get them).  What happens is that some part of the tooth, usually the "neck" of the tooth (where the crown meets the gum line) starts being eaten away by OSTEOCLASTS.  These cells literally eat away the tooth.  This results in pits in the tooth and usually the crown fractures off due to weakness.  Unfortunately, we do not know exactly why this happens.  There is no good treatment for it other than removal of the tooth or teeth.  Some cats have multiple resorbtive lesions and have many teeth extracted during the cleaning.  Cats get along well with few or no teeth.  If your cat has or might have a resorbtive lesion, discuss treatment with your veterinarian.

Cats and dogs can also have gum recession.  This results in exposed roots.  If the majority of the roots are exposed, usually the tooth is extracted.  Sometimes the teeth can be saved if the owner is willing to treat the animal for periodontal disease.  Veterinarians that are board certified in dentistry are very willing to see your pet and discuss treatment options with you.

Dogs

Dogs very rarely get resorbtive lesions.  They more commonly have fractured teeth  or periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease can range from halitosis and gingivitis to severe gum loss and root exposure.  Dogs and cats can also have abscesses tooth roots.  Your veterinarian can look at your dog's mouth to evaluate it.  Then he/she can give you an idea of how good or bad your dog's teeth are and recommend a treatment.

Quick Facts

• Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease of adult cats and dogs.  It affects 80% of pets over age 3.
• Symptoms of periodontal disease may include: bad breath, yellow brown buildup of tartar along the gum line, bleeding gums, oral pain, tooth loss, gum lesions, depression of the pet, and changed eating habits.
• Systemic effects can result when bacteria enter the bloodstream (from the gums/teeth) and lead to problems in the heart, liver and kidneys.
• 80% of dogs by the age of 3 have gum disease.
• Small breeds are more likely to have periodontal disease.  Experts believe this is because the teeth of small dogs often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together allowing plaque to build up more easily.
• 70% of cats have gum disease by age 3.
• Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease in cats.  Studies show 28% of cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.
• Ferrets will also develop tartar on their teeth.

Treatment

Proper cleaning of the teeth is the FIRST step toward a  healthier mouth.  This involved ultrasonic scaling of the teeth and polishing.  Thus, this requires animals to be anesthetized during the procedure so we can properly and thoroughly clean the teeth, evaluate the gums and each tooth, pull teeth (if needed), or perform any other treatments required.

Many owners have a high degree of anxiety related to general anesthesia.  While there is always a risk with any anesthetic procedures, be aware that the pet's health may ultimately be compromised by delaying proper dental care.  We recommend bloodwork prior to anesthesia to check liver and kidney values.  Since these organs metabolize some of the anesthetic drugs, we would like these values to be normal or close to normal.  We can change anesthetic drugs if we need to if either of these organs have high values, or even cancel the cleaning if the values are extremely elevated and we would like to investigate why the values are increased.  We also recommend intravenous fluids be given during the procedure to help keep the blood pressure up while under anesthesia.  These precautions can really help eliminate some risks associated with anesthesia.  We also use up to date anesthetic drugs such as isoflurane gas.

Once the tartar is removed, each tooth is evaluated for mobility, resorbtive lesions (in cats), infections, gum loss, exposure of roots and to check for fractures and exposed pulp cavities.  If any of these things are present, your veterinarian can discuss proper treatment (e.g. extraction).  Then the teeth are polished and the animal is allowed to wake up.

Prevention

• Seek regular veterinary care and have the teeth cleaned when advised.
• Try to maintain home dental care by brushing your pet's teeth.  This is the best way to remove plaque and tartar.  It won't remove what is on the teeth prior to a cleaning.  Use a special
• toothpaste specifically formulated for your pet.  Do not use human toothpaste.
• Try C.E.T. Chews for dogs or cats.
• Try CHX Guard Rinse for your pet.
• Try a tartar control diet (T/D) which is available at our clinic.  It can be used as a maintenance diet or as treats.  It will not clean the teeth but will prolong the interval between cleanings.

We look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions. See your veterinarian regarding your pet's teeth and to set up a cleaning.  By keeping the mouth healthy, you can keep your pet healthy.