To learn more about dental care for pets here at Providence Animal Hospital, browse the answers to our most frequently asked questions :
What is the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are different stages of gum disease. Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects the tissues that support teeth and if it is left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues.
Periodontal disease in pets begins when plaque develops on the surface of their teeth. Plaque is colorless and often difficult for pet-parents to detect. Once plaque builds-up on your pets teeth the minerals naturally found in saliva will attach to the plaque and begin forming tartar.
Gradually bacteria will begin to spread under the gums, causing an inflammation known as gingivitis. Once under the gums, bacteria may then begin to destroy the tissues that support your pet’s teeth, leading to tooth loss. This stage is known as periodontitis.
Caring for your dog or cat’s dental health is vital to their overall health since bacteria from the mouth is able to travel through your pet’s bloodstream to their vital organs, where it can lead to system failures and potentially deadly conditions.
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What are some common cat & dog dental problems?
Some of the most common dental health issues seen in pets include:
- Bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
- Plaque
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Tooth Loss
- Cracked or broken teeth
Is periodontitis common in dogs and cats?
It is estimated that approximately 85 percent of all pets have developed some form of periodontal disease before they reach three years of age. Periodontitis in dogs and cats is very common, making regular maintenance and check-ups an essential part of your pet’s preventive health care.
How do I keep my dog or cat’s teeth clean?
There are a number of ways to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.
Using a finger brush from your vet or a child’s toothbrush, begin brushing your pet’s teeth daily to remove any debris.
Your vet may recommend a plaque prevention product which can be applied to your pet’s teeth and gums. These products adhere to the surface of your pet’s teeth and form a barrier that will help to prevent plaque buildup.
There are also certain treats and pet foods available that have been designed to help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
What will happen at my pet’s dental appointment?
When you bring your dog or cat to see us for a dental appointment, it’s much like when you visit the dentist for a cleaning or treatment. We make every effort to ensure that your pet is comfortable during their dental visit to Providence Animal Hospital.
Our treatment room has specialized veterinary dental equipment including high-speed dental units and anesthesia monitoring and delivery equipment to make your dog or cat’s dental appointment as fast, convenient, and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
- First your dog or cat will be anesthetized and your veterinarian will thoroughly examine their mouth. Your pet dentist will take note of your pet’s tooth alignment and the extent of tartar accumulation both above and below the gumline.
- X-rays will be done to fully assess the condition of a diseased, decayed or damaged tooth. If your dog or cat’s periodontal disease is severe, the affected teeth may need to be extracted.
- To clean your dog or cat’s teeth, scaling will be performed to remove all traces of tartar, both above and below your pet’s gum line.
- Next, your pet’s teeth will be polished. A smooth surface on the tooth can help to prevent plaque from sticking to the tooth.
- Depending on your pet’s overall oral health, special treatments such as fluoride, antibiotics, or cleaning compounds may be used.
- Depending on the importance of the problematic tooth, and the severity of the periodontal disease, other oral health procedures may be recommended such as guided tissue regeneration and or guided bone regeneration (GTR/GBR).
Providence Animal Hospital in Charlotte provides quality veterinary dentistry, including preventive care and exams for cats and dogs. We’re open 6 days a week. Book online today.
