Emeryville Animal Hospital

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Progression of Dental Disease

106 EmeryDr., Emeryville, ON N0R 1C0
(519) 727 -3304 Fax: (519) 727-3125

Dentistry

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have oral disease by the age of three. It is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. Common signs of oral disease include tartar buildup, red and swollen gums, bad breath, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and generalized depression. It is important to realize that dental disease does not reach a particular level and stop. Dental disease continuously progresses and as this disease progresses, the treatment becomes more involved possible resulting in tooth loss. A veterinarian should evaluate your pet's dental health at least once a year. We recommend this because bacteria and food debris accumulates around a pet's teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay results in irreversible periodontal disease and even tooth loss.
There are other reasons why you should pay close attention to your pet's dental health. Dental disease can affect other organs in the body: bacteria in the mouth can get into the blood stream and may cause serious kidney infections, liver disease, lung disease, and heart valve disease. Oral disease can also indicate that another disease process is occurring elsewhere in a pet's body. A thorough physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if this is the case.
In the wild, our canine and feline friends must tear at fresh flesh and bones on a regular basis in order to survive. By providing for their most basic needs through tasty canned and dry morsels foods, we have removed nature's way of making sure our pets brush their teeth. Just as our own teeth require periodic dental cleaning and assessment, even more so do our pets. The procedure for cleaning your pet's teeth (called a dental prophy) is no different from that which we experience at our own dentist. The only difference is that our pets will not just sit still and say "Ahhhh" while we perform this procedure. A general anesthetic is required in order to safely scale, probe teeth for problem areas that can cause your pet pain, which may require extraction) and then polish all surfaces of all of the teeth.
Providing a variety of safe chew toys and, if and when possible, practicing a routine of regular brushing can help decrease the number of dental procedures your pet requires in a lifetime.