DENTAL
CARE
 Periodontal
disease is the most common infectious disease in the world, affecting
over 85% of all dogs over 2 years of age. The cause of periodontal
disease is PLAQUE. |
WHAT
IS PLAQUE?
Plaque is a shiny, slimy substance that forms on the surface of
teeth. It is made up of saliva, food particles and bacteria. The
bacteria within plaque feed on food micro-particles and release
acidic waste products. The accumulation of plaque and associated
bacterial waste products are the cause of periodontal disease.
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WHAT
IS TARTER?
 Tartar
(also known as calculus ) is a hard deposit formed on teeth from
mineral salts in the saliva. Tartar is able to form when plaque
is not remove from the tooth surface through brushing or other means.
Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be easily removed from the tooth surface
by brushing. Over time tartar becomes a dark yellow or brown colour.
Tartar attracts and allows growth of further harmful bacteria and
plaque, which irritate the gums and left untreated cause disease
below the gum line.
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WHAT
IS GINGIVITIS?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by the bacteria in
plaque and tartar ate the gum line. Gingivitis is the first stage
of periodontal disease. Inflamed gums can be swollen, painful, and
can bleed. Gingivitis is a reversible condition if treated by appropriate
removal of plaque and tartar, usually requiring a dental scale and
polish under general anaesthetic.
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WHAT
IS PERIODONTITIS?
Periodontitis can occur when plaque and tartar build up on teeth
is not treated and the bacterial begin to erode away the gums, ligaments
and surrounding bone that hold the tooth in the jaw. This is the
second stage of periodontal disease. Teeth become loose and will
eventually fall out. Infection below the gum line can also lead
to tooth root abscesses. Periodontitis is painful and is not as
easily reversed as gingivitis, and if severe enough sometimes tooth
extraction (removal) is the only solution.
How do I know if my pet has periodontal disease?
Some of the common signs are:
Bad breath
Red, swollen, ulcerated, or receding gums that
my bleed after eating
Yellow or brown stained teeth (tartar) most easily
seen on the canines or molars
Loose or missing teeth
If any of these signs are present your pet needs veterinary
attention. It is important to remember that periodontal disease
doesn't just affect teeth and gums, the bacteria can enter the blood
stream and cause life threatening kidney, heart or brain disease.
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WHAT
CAN I DO AT HOME?
 You
brush your teeth every day, why not your pet's
Brushing your pet's teeth at least once a week is the most effective
(yet not always the most practical) way of removing plaque, reducing
tartar and avoiding periodontal disease. You need to have a clean
tooth surface so starting after a dental scale and polish is best.
It is understandable that not everyone will be interested in brushing
their animal's teeth, but if you are see the step by step instructions
below: (attachment here)
Antibacterial mouth gels and sprays
Just as we use mouthwashes in addition to brushing our teeth to
control plaque in our mouths, there are mouth gels and sprays available
for use in pets. These products contain anti-bacterial substances,
which are very effective at controlling plaque formation.
Bones and Rawhide chews
 Bones
have traditionally been encouraged in pets diets as a means of controlling
plaque and tartar build up. When your pet chews on a bone it encourages
the removal of plaque and some tartar form the surface of the teeth.
Even with regular bones in your pet's diet, tartar will eventually
form which would require removal at a dental scale and polish. However
bones are useful in extending the period of time between dental
scaling. Only ever feed raw bones to your pet, large marrow bones
or lamb shanks are great for dogs, while raw chicken wings and necks
are best for smaller dogs.
Enzymatic chews
Special enzymatic chews are also available and they work in two
ways to fight plaque. They combine the action of normal chews with
the antibacterial effects of the mouth gels or sprays. The chews
contain enzymes and anti-bacterial substances which are released
during chewing to help fight plaque.
Veterinary Dental Diets
Promote dental hygiene in every day eating. Examples are Eukanuba
Dental Defence System soon to be including in the whole Eukanuba
range of diet. Additionally the Hills T/D products are available.
Ask for more information next time you buy your pet's food. |
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