Ask the Vets

This month is Pet Dental Month and Vets say dental
hygiene is as important to your furry chums as it is to
humans

Friday,  February 3, 2006

Dear Vets: I’ve noticed lately that my 5 year old dog “Tito” has really bad breath. I opened up his mouth the other day to look at his teeth and noted that they are very yellow and that his gums are very red. I’m sure the smell is coming from his mouth. Is it possible that he has a cavity?

Great question! The medical term for bad breath is “halitosis”, and certainly dental disease also known as periodontal disease, can be a major cause of this.

Although animals rarely get cavities, dental disease is very common especially in older animals if regular dental homecare has not been performed. That’s right! Pets need to brush their teeth too! 

Well, actually the pet owner needs to help out a little. But good homecare can go a long way to prevent dental problems. Just like in people, plaque will accumulate on the teeth over time, and regular brushing will prevent this build up. Pets can develop gum disease, or gingivitis when bacteria invade and infect the gums.

People will often notice that the pet’s gums will be red, inflamed and even sore. The pet may even be reluctant to eat hard kibbles or chew bones. Over time, this can lead to periodontal disease and if left untreated, the teeth will in essence rot and even fall out. This painful event can become very serious as the infection can become absorbed into the blood system and can predispose the animal to heart disease, kidney disease and systemic illness. 

Although it is important for pet owners to be involved in their pet’s dental homecare, once gingivitis and periodontal disease have set in, the pet may require veterinary dental care to get the teeth back into shape.

Once you notice plaque or tartar accumulation on the teeth, it is ready for a professional cleaning at your veterinary office. The pet will need to be anesthetized in order to clean the teeth properly, but not to worry, today’s anesthetics are very safe and state of the art equipment is available for monitoring them while they are asleep. For older animals, and those with previous medical problems, preanesthetic blood testing can help to determine if they qualify for an anesthetic.

The anesthetic provides not only immobilization of the animal so that the plaque can be removed, but it also allows for cleaning below the gum line and provides good pain control.

So, once the pet is anesthetized, the teeth are examined under anesthetic for breaks or fractures, and signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease. The next step is to physically remove the calculus and plaque with instruments. Rotten teeth and broken teeth can be extracted so as to prevent further infection and pain.

The teeth are then scaled using an ultrasonic machine to allow for cleaning below the gum line. Finally the teeth are polished, rinsed and treated with a sealant. The animal usually goes home the same day and instructions are given on how to care for the newly cleaned teeth.

Once your pet’s teeth are cleaned, the bad breath usually instantly goes away! However, in order to keep the animal’s mouth smelling nice and fresh, regular brushing must be instituted. Recent research supports that brushing your pet’s teeth even twice weekly can prevent the onset of gingivitis and periodontal disease and can increase your pet’s lifespan. 
February is International Pet Dental Health Month. Stop by your local veterinary office for more information on dental health care for your pet and tips on brushing. Remember “Healthy Teeth, Healthy Pet”. 

If you would like to ask Dr. Tiffany Durzi and Dr. Lana Watler a question than please contact them at the Cayman Animal Hospital or e-mail: askthevets@caymannetnews.com

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