It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! February, Dental Month!

It's time for one of our favorite months of the year, Dental month! Or, at least for some of us. February is declared National Pet Dental Month every year to spotlight the importance of dental health for our beloved pets.
​When it comes to our pet's health, we all think about vaccinations, grooming appointments, medical issues. But many of us tend to forget our pet's dental care is a critical part of their health and happiness. Poor dental health can lead to a variety of painful health problems for dogs, cats, and horses. Being aware and proactive about your animal's health can make a difference in their life. 

Foul Breath, Tartar filled teeth, Mobile teeth 

Could that Mean Something More? 

Yes it can! Foul breath, tartar on the teeth, and mobile teeth can all be signs of dental health issues for your pet. Other symptoms can include; swollen or bleeding gum tissue, excessive drooling, trouble/refusing to eat harder foods, pawing at the muzzle/mouth, difficulty opening/closing mouth, changes in attitude. 
Did you know, 80% of cats and dogs over he age of 3 are affected by dental disease? Could your pet be one of the 80% affected? 

The ultimate culprit of dental disease in pets is plaque and tartar buildup due to lack of regular teeth brushing, dental chews, or dental cleanings. Over time plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue in your pet's mouth contributing to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the bacterial infection of the mouth.  Periodontal disease is classified into stages to show the severity and progression of the dental disease based on tarter buildup and gingivitis. Unfortunately, both are common dental diseases for our beloved pets. 

Grading your Pet's Dental Disease

To judge the severity of your pet's dental disease we use a system of 4 grades. Grade 1 being the best with very little tartar/gingivitis, and Grade 4 being the worst possible. 
At grade 2 we start recommending a dental cleaning to prevent damage to the teeth and gum tissue. At grade 3 and 4 we highly recommend dental cleanings to treat dental issues and prevent further issues. With every dental procedure we have your pet's best interest in mind. 

What happens with severe stages of dental disease?

In severe dental disease cases gum tissue can recede exposing tooth roots. Other signs of dental disease could include discoloration in teeth (often turn a dark grey/blue color), excessive redness to the gum tissue, and gum tissue recession. All symptoms can cause oral pain for your pet. 
In advance stages, dental disease can affect more than just your pet's mouth. If the dental disease is left untreated, it can affect internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. How does this happen? Bacteria from the oral cavity can be released into the circulatory system and travel to the rest of the body potentially causing damage to other organs. 

The pictures above is a dog with grade 4 dental tartar and x-rays taken. X-rays showed receded gum tissue and bone attachment loss. Extraction was deemed necessary. A week after the dental procedure the owner had stated the dog's energy increased and no more oral pain.  

Below are various dental x-rays showing severe dental disease. The x-rays show receded gum tissue and bone attachment. Externally some we may see tooth roots, large periodontal pockets, and infection. All of the below x-rays are example of teeth that extraction was deemed necessary and was preformed to better the life of the animal. 

Making the Best Imprint on your Pet's Dental Health

The best way to prevent tartar and plaque build-up on your pet's teeth is to brush their teeth. Brushing their teeth daily, every few days, or weekly can greatly prevent plaque and tartar building up on their teeth. 
Dental chews are also a great way to prevent dental disease. The key with dental chews is your pet needs to chew on them for 5 to 10 minutes to have the greatest effect. 
Dental cleanings every year or every couple years can prevent extensive tartar and plaque buildup and prevent major dental care in the future. 

Dental health is an important part of your pet's life. Keeping up on your pet's dental health can help prevent damaging dental problems and promote a better life for your furry family member.