Care, Compassion, Commitment
Oral And Dental Health
Pet Dental Health
Routine dental health care is important for the health of your pet. Dental disease is the most overlooked disease in veterinary medicine. Approximately 95% of dogs and cats will have dental disease requiring veterinary correction at some time during their lives, a startling statistic. By the age of three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease. Dental disease can range from the build up of dental tartar and plaque, gingivitis, to a severe form of dental disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease is results from a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth causes inflammation of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. An early form of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, progresses to periodontitis if left untreated. In periodontitis, bacterial plaque destroys the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It usually is seen after years of development of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis. It is irreversible and results in permanent loss of tooth support. Ultimately, teeth are lost due to the loss of their supporting tissues. This is the major reason for tooth loss in dogs. Dental disease can lead to seeding other areas of the body with infection, harming vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
Pictures
Gingivitis, dog and cat
Periodontitis, dog and cat
Prevention, the best remedy.
Prevention or reduction of plaque deposits can be achieved by 1) barrier sealants 2) mechanical control and 3) dietary control.
Barrier sealants provide a physical bond on the tooth enamel and effectively repels bacteria-laden saliva from the tooth surface, preventing colonization by oral bacteria and plaque formation.
Mechanical control, by toothbrushing and diets designed to remove tartar and calculus from teeth, also can prevent periodontal disease. One of the most convenient and effective ways at home to combat plaque and tartar building up oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods.
Consistent use of barrier sealants, mechanical and/or dietary control along with regular dental examinations, are required to prevent periodontal disease. These measures, if consistently followed, will reduce the need for dental cleaning for your adult dog and cat.
Recommended Dental Care
Statistics indicate that preventing the disease of teeth and gums can extend your pet’s life expectancy by two to four years. At Codornices Veterinary Clinic we recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleaning, as needed, for all adult dogs and cats. Dental care begins at the kitten or puppy stage, with exams for problems related to deciduous (baby) teeth, extra or missing teeth, and other potential problems such as unusual swellings. As pets become adults, examination for plaque and tartar accumulation, periodontal disease and oral tumors become important.
Routine dental health care is important for the health of your pet. Dental disease is the most overlooked disease in veterinary medicine. Approximately 95% of dogs and cats will have dental disease requiring veterinary correction at some time during their lives, a startling statistic. By the age of three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease. Dental disease can range from the build up of dental tartar and plaque, gingivitis, to a severe form of dental disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease is results from a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth causes inflammation of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. An early form of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, progresses to periodontitis if left untreated. In periodontitis, bacterial plaque destroys the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It usually is seen after years of development of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis. It is irreversible and results in permanent loss of tooth support. Ultimately, teeth are lost due to the loss of their supporting tissues. This is the major reason for tooth loss in dogs. Dental disease can lead to seeding other areas of the body with infection, harming vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
Pictures
Gingivitis, dog and cat
Periodontitis, dog and cat
Prevention, the best remedy.
Prevention or reduction of plaque deposits can be achieved by 1) barrier sealants 2) mechanical control and 3) dietary control.
Barrier sealants provide a physical bond on the tooth enamel and effectively repels bacteria-laden saliva from the tooth surface, preventing colonization by oral bacteria and plaque formation.
Mechanical control, by toothbrushing and diets designed to remove tartar and calculus from teeth, also can prevent periodontal disease. One of the most convenient and effective ways at home to combat plaque and tartar building up oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods.
Consistent use of barrier sealants, mechanical and/or dietary control along with regular dental examinations, are required to prevent periodontal disease. These measures, if consistently followed, will reduce the need for dental cleaning for your adult dog and cat.
Recommended Dental Care
Statistics indicate that preventing the disease of teeth and gums can extend your pet’s life expectancy by two to four years. At Codornices Veterinary Clinic we recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleaning, as needed, for all adult dogs and cats. Dental care begins at the kitten or puppy stage, with exams for problems related to deciduous (baby) teeth, extra or missing teeth, and other potential problems such as unusual swellings. As pets become adults, examination for plaque and tartar accumulation, periodontal disease and oral tumors become important.
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