IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH     

        One of our passions at Spring Branch Veterinary Hospital is for our patients to have healthy mouths.   This is because oral health and overall health go hand in hand.  Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats.  About 85% of dogs and cats have some form of dental disease.    These pets are vulnerable to the pain, bad breath, and tooth loss that could follow.   Chronic infections can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys, where they can do even more damage.  Just as people need both preventative home care and professional attention, pets need the same. 

PREVENTATIVE CARE

      There are several options of preventative care depending on the personality of the pet.   These three options may be used independently or in combination with each other.   The purpose of these three options is to prevent dental tartar which leads to serious dental disease (periodontitis).  Once tartar has already been deposited, the only way to effectively and safely remove is with a professional cleaning (scaling and polishing).   

1) Brushing - This is the best option.    Brushing works by removing plaque (combination of bacteria and proteins), before it has time to solidify into its evil twin.....tartar.    When starting a routine, many owners are surprised that the pet may actually like to have their teeth brushed.  This is due to veterinary toothpaste's pet friendly taste (IE. chicken, beef, etc.).  Toothbrushes can either be "normal" toothbrushes, similar to our toothbrushes, or they can be a finger brush similar to an infants toothbrush.  Just 60 - 90 seconds per day is the usual time needed.   Once a routine has been started, often times the pet will actually anticipate and even remind the owner that it is time to brush.  The most important area to brush is the gum line as this is where tartar starts.  Come by SBVH for a free teeth brushing lesson for your pet! 

                                                                         Many pets enjoy the flavor of pet toothpaste

2) Oral Rinses and Water Additives -  These are the second best option.  These options work by reducing the amount of plaque-forming bacteria in the mouth.   By flushing between the cheek and gum once or twice daily or adding solution to fresh water each morning,  the amount of bacteria can be reduced. 

3) Oral Hygiene Chews -  Although these chews are made for both cats and dogs, they tend to be more practical for dogs.   Chews are beneficial due to the physical "cleaning" of the tooth and also because they have antibacterial properties.   These are a great alternative to the typical "rawhide" which can cause intestinal problems and even obstructions. 

                                                                Dental chews and water additives are beneficial and easy

PROFESSIONAL CARE

      Professional care means routine examinations (every 6 to 12 months) to spot early problems, give guidance in oral disease prevention,  and when necessary advise a treatment plan.   The most common treatment plan is the scaling and polishing procedure.  This is advised when an excessive amount of dental tartar is present.  The rate at which dental tartar deposits on a pet's teeth depends on how much preventative care is being given at home and on genetic factors of the pet.   Certain breeds are also prone to severe dental disease. 

SCALING AND POLISHING PROCEDURE (KNOWN AS A "DENTAL")   

      This procedure is performed under generalized anesthesia.  Generalized anesthesia is important to allow the technician to effectively and safely remove the tartar (scale the teeth) then polish properly.   The polishing part of this procedure is important because it smooths the surface of the tooth making it more tartar resistant. 

The Scaling procedure at SBVH

Before (tartar along gum line)	After (tartar removed, teeth polished)

Results of a "routine" dental scaling and polishing procedure

         As tartar remains and progresses along the gum line, chronic inflammation eventually leads to gingiva (gum line) recession, periodontal bone deterioration, and  loss of the supportive structures of the tooth.   At this time, the pet is at risk of infection spreading to the heart, kidneys, or liver.   

Before (Severe Periodontitis)	After Scaling (notice root exposure)

After teeth are scaled in severe periodontitis , the degree of gum line recession and infection is revealed.   Extractions are also necessary at this point.