Periodontal disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians.
More than 85% of dogs and cats older than four years have periodontal concerns.
One milligram of plaque contains over one trillion potentially disease-causing bacteria.
By keeping up with your pets dental care, you can extend their life expectancy by 3-5 years.
What is that Smell?
What is halitosis? Halitosis, also called bad breath, is an offensive odor emanating from the oral cavity.
What causes halitosis? The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease caused by plaque (bacteria).
Severe periodontal disease causing halitosis
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is inflammation of some or all of the tooth’s support structures (gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria.
The Hidden Effects of Dental Disease
• The discomfort in your pet’s mouth may lead to the inability to chew food or reluctance to eat.
• Behavioral problems may occur (biting,hiding, marking, irritability etc).
• Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream affecting vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Common Myths
Dental cleanings are purely cosmetic
Dogs and cats do not feel pain the way people do
Dogs’ and cats’ mouths are cleaner than humans’
Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are as effective as anesthetic cleanings
Where Do You Begin?
Have your veterinarian assess your pet’s mouth
Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if a professional cleaning is in order.
If a cleaning is not needed then home care will be discussed
The Differences Between a Dental Cleaning with Anesthesia vs. Anesthesia Free
All surfaces of the teeth are cleaned
Can clean sub gingivally
Can provide thorough charting of all the teeth
Able to take full mouth radiographs
Can provide all treatment at once i.e. if there are extractions
More safe for the technician, as the animal is unable to bite
Can adequately polish teeth to prevent cavities and other problems
Able to clean the outside of the teeth only
Can only clean the crown
Unable to adequately chart all teeth
Unable to take dental radiographs
May cost more money in the long run if the animal needs further treatment under anesthesia
Not safe, can be bitten by animal
Can damage tooth or gum if animal moves
Porphyromonas Vaccine
Preventative vaccination against the three most common bacterial causes of periodontal disease.
As this is a preventative vaccine, it must be done as a puppy or after a dental prophylaxis.
Initially, two boosters need to be given three to four weeks apart and then annually for protection.
Recommended for small breed dogs, predisposed breeds and at-risk dogs.
