Clinical signs of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Brown or green colored teeth – this discoloration is the plaque and calculus (tartar) covering the top of the tooth.
- Red gums is an indication of gingivitis.
- Severe cases can exhibit tooth loss, lack of appetite, drooling or generalized illness.
Also regular six month evaluations by our health care team can help you keep on top of your pet’s dental needs.
What is Periodontal disease?
Dental disease begins with plaque which is a combination of salivary proteins and bacteria. This plaque sits on the teeth and will eventually mineralize to form calculus (or dental tartar). The bacteria associated with the plaque and calculus will cause gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis.
As this inflammation continues it will eventually lead to inflammation and destruction of the surrounding tooth structures including bone (periodontitis).
Both gingivitis and peridontitis can lead to unnecessary discomfort as well as systemic disease for your pet. Thus proper management of your pet’s mouth can increase both quality and quantity of life!
Why is dental care so important anyways?
Remember that dental disease is formed from bacteria and resulting the inflammation. This inflammation allows millions of bacteria to enter the blood stream on a daily basis. The bacteria can settle within the body and lead to infections of the: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder and more. These infections can lead to serious and even fatal diseases, not to mention large medical costs.
The periodontal disease of course also leads to local disease – tooth loss, tooth root abscess and skull infection and fracture of the jaw.
What is involved in getting my pet’s teeth cleaned?
Have your pet’s teeth evaluated by our health care team – this is a free service we will be happy to provide for your pet. We recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing to help maximize the safety of this procedure. This is an optional item and costs $120.00 (Note: if blood work has already been performed, it is considered current for a period of six months.)
This is an extended out-patient procedure; meaning you admit your pet in the morning and can pick up in the late afternoon. Dentals are performed Monday through Friday. Please no food in the morning!
What is the cost? The cost is dependent upon several factors including patient age, breed and size and the level of periodontal disease. We recommend that you schedule a courtesy dental evaluation with us where we can give you a more precise, printed estimate. Dental costs can range from $200 to $500 with an average cost at $250.
What can I do at home?
Proper tooth care includes some of each of these three components:
- Active Home Management :
- Brushing. This is the gold standard of home dental care. Brushing is recommneded once a day or every other day. Do not use human tooth paste as the mint flavor is usually distasteful and the foaming agents can cause stomach irritation to your pet.
- Oravet Sealant. Oravel can be a good alternative for those who cannot fit daily brushing into their schedule. This once a week application is easy, fast and affordable.
- Passive Home Management.
- All Eukanuba kibble have a HMP (hexa meta phosphate) crystal coating which becomes activated upon contact with moisture and attaches to the teeth to help prevent plaque buildup.
- Hill’s t/d food can help reduce tartar formation. It is considered the best food for plaque management.
- Toys: Kong toys, nyla-bones and Greenies are available at Pet Co.
- Regular dental cleanings with our health care team. Just like people, whether performing other home management techniques or not, routine professional cleaning is needed to keep your pet's great smile (and health) at its best!
