Dental disease is a common and painful condition affecting most cats and dogs by age three. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar on the teeth and under the gums, leading to infection, inflammation, and tooth loss.Dental disease can also have serious consequences for the systemic health of pets, as the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Therefore, preventing and treating dental disease is essential for maintaining the quality of life and longevity of cats and dogs.
Prevention Strategies
The best way to prevent dental disease in cats and dogs is to provide regular dental care at home and at the veterinary clinic. According to the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Your local area will have dog and cat supplies; a good store will have items that can help in this regard. Always use Google. A good place to start is to search for petcare services Canberra, or pet supplies Canberra. You will find various useful products, and they can point you in the right direction or order specific care products. Dog and cat supplies are also useful and cover a wide search range encompassing your needs.
The following are some of the recommended prevention strategies:
Oral Examination
Pets should have a thorough oral examination by a veterinarian at least once a year or more frequently if they have risk factors or signs of dental disease. The oral examination should include visual inspection, palpation, and dental radiographs (X-rays) to assess the condition of the teeth and the surrounding tissues. The oral examination can also help identify other problems, such as tumours, fractures, or foreign bodies.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Pets should have professional dental cleaning done by a veterinarian or a veterinary technician under general anesthesia when indicated by the oral examination. Professional dental cleaning should include scaling, polishing, and irrigation of the teeth and the subgingival (below the gum line) area and extraction of diseased teeth if necessary. Professional dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar that cannot be reached by home care methods and can also prevent or treat periodontal (gum) disease, the most common form of dental disease in cats and dogs. This will come under petcare services in local directories, too.
Home Care
Pets should receive daily home care to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
The most effective home care method is brushing the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. Brushing should be introduced gradually and gently and done positively and rewardingly.
Other home care methods include dental diets, chews, treats, toys, and water additives that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). However, these methods should not replace brushing but rather supplement it.
Regular Check-ups
Pets should have regular check-ups with their veterinarian to monitor their oral health and detect any early changes or problems. The frequency of the check-ups may vary depending on each pet's needs and risk factors, such as:
- AgeBreed
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Medical History…
The veterinarian can also provide advice and guidance on each pet's best prevention and treatment options.
Common Dental Problems
Cats and dogs can suffer from various dental problems affecting their oral and overall health. Some of the most common dental problems are:
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth, such as the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone. It is caused by plaque and tartar accumulating on the teeth and under the gums, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and cause damage. Periodontal disease can cause pain, bleeding, bad breath, tooth loss, and bone loss. It can also increase the risk of systemic diseases, such as: Heart Disease Kidney Disease and Diabetes…
Periodontal disease is classified into four stages, depending on the severity of the damage:
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- Mild periodontitis (loss of up to 25% of the attachment)
- Moderate periodontitis (loss of 25% to 50% of the attachment) Severe periodontitis (loss of more than 50% of the attachment)
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is the erosion and destruction of the tooth structure, starting from the enamel and progressing to the dentin and the pulp. It is a common and painful condition that affects up to 75% of cats and 10% of dogs. The exact cause of tooth resorption is unknown. Still, it may be related to inflammation, immune system dysfunction, or metabolic disorders. Tooth resorption can cause:,/p>
- Sensitivity
- Pain
- Difficulty Eating
- Tooth Loss…
The only treatment for tooth resorption is extraction of the affected teeth, as they cannot be restored or repaired.
Fractured Teeth
Fractured teeth result from trauma or injury to the teeth, such as from chewing on hard objects, playing with toys, or fighting with other animals. Fractured teeth can expose the pulp, which contains the blood vessels and nerves, and cause pain, infection, and inflammation.
Fractured teeth can also affect the appearance and function of the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. The treatment for fractured teeth depends on the type and extent of the fracture. It may include pulp capping, root canal therapy, or extraction.
Oral Tumours (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Oral tumours can affect any part of the oral cavity, such as:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Gums
- Palate
- Jaw…
Oral tumours can cause:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Difficulty Eating
- Drooling
- Bad Breath
- Facial Swelling...
Oral tumours can also spread to other body parts, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, or bones. Diagnosing oral tumours requires a biopsy, which removes and examines a tissue sample. The treatment for oral tumours depends on the type, location, and stage of the tumour. It may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
SUMMARY
Cat and dog dental health is vital to their overall health and well-being. Dental disease can cause pain, suffering, reduced quality of life for pets, and increased risk of systemic diseases. Therefore, finding the best petcare service Canberra offers will help prevent and treat dental disease, which is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of cats and dogs. The best way to prevent dental disease is to provide regular dental care at home and at the veterinary clinic and consult the veterinarian for any oral problems or concerns. By doing so, pet owners can ensure that their furry friends have healthy and beautiful smiles for life.