Dentistry

Over 85% of pets 2 yrs and older show some sign of dental disease, especially toy and small breed dogs. Periodontal disease is a painful, infectious disease that leads to the destruction of the tooth’s supporting structures. The bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

Thorpe Animal Hospital offers regular dental exams and complete dental cleanings for pets including deep root cleaning, polishing, antibiotic gel implants, periodontal surgery and extractions. We can also help consult you on a good home care program to maintain your pets oral health.

Periodontal Disease

Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating and chewing food, are but a few of the symptoms of poor oral health. Ignored, they can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, which is caused by infection from plaque and tartar build-up on pets' teeth. If addressed promptly, the early stages of gingivitis can be treated and the condition reversed. However, if allowed to progress, irreversible periodontitis can occur along with chronic bacterial infection, which can enter the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent diseases seen by veterinarians. It is also one of the easiest to prevent.

Pet owners who partner with their veterinarians and C.E.T.® Home Dental Care can help to ensure the oral good health of their dog or cat.

By following a veterinarian’s instructions and the C.E.T.® three-option chew-rinse-brush plan, plaque and tartar forming bacteria can be eliminated.

Signs and Symptoms

• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Plaque (often not visible unless stained)
• Bleeding, inflamed or receded gums
• Tartar (creamy-brown, hard material)
• Loose or missing teeth
• Difficulty eating and chewing food

Four Stages of Periodontal Disease

Canine	Feline
		Stage I Gingivitis - Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.
		Stage II Early Periodontitis - Entire attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible.
		Stage III Moderate Periodontitis - Cherry red and bleeding attached gum is being destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease. May be irreversible.
		Stage IV Advanced Periodontitis - Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria may be spreading throughout the entire body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.

To ensure your pet’s dental health, they require dental care on a regular basis. Otherwise they may develop problems.

Dental problems may also result from injury, foreign bodies such as porcupine quills or foxtail, malnutrition or systemic diseases which infect the mouth as well as other parts of the body.

Occasionally a puppy will retain some deciduous (baby) teeth after the permanent teeth have appeared. This may damage the soft tissues of the mouth and may even accelerate wear of permanent teeth. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine whether or not removal is necessary.

Unfortunately, signs of dental problems are often subtle and may go undetected for months, or even years. Regular dental examinations by a veterinarian are recommended. Dental problems can be minimized or even prevented through regular cleaning and scaling under anesthesia, done by a veterinarian. Thorpe Animal Hospital offers complete dental cleanings for pets including ultrasonic scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, extractions, and gingivectomy.

Additionally, dry, crunchy foods and dental chews can be helpful in keeping teeth clean. As the pet chews, particles from the dry food scrape against the teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help remove plaque. Still, there is no substitute for regular dental care.

If possible, accustom a young puppy or kitten to having its teeth cleaned on a regular basis at home. Gently rub the pet's teeth with a soft cloth or a child's soft toothbrush dipped in a solution of baking soda and water or toothpaste made especially for pets. Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans. Because pets swallow rather than spit out the preparation, this can cause stomach upset.

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